By Jeanne Angel

"MIDTESOL at 21: Coming of Age" was the theme for the annual conference held at the University of Iowa on October 15 and 16, 1999. About 200 participants were invited to reflect on what we have learned over the last 21 years about language teaching and learning as we look ahead to the challenges of a new century. Everyone enjoyed the variety of presentations and thought provoking featured sessions in the beautiful Iowa Memorial Union. A highlight of the conference was Wes Eby’s exciting challenge to participants to volunteer for "TESOL 2001: Gateway to the Future", which will be held in St. Louis from February 27 - March 4, 2001. MidTESOL is the host affiliate for the 35th annual convention of our parent organization. He and local co-chairs Rosa Schuette and Susan Schindler signed up volunteers throughout the conference.

A number of people were able to participate in school visits preceding the conference. Five Iowa public schools and the University of Iowa Intensive English Program opened their doors to visitors. Many remarked that the opportunity to sit in on a classroom was one of the highlights of their trip to Iowa City. For many of us, teaching is a solitary experience with few other opportunities to see another teacher in action.

Concurrent sessions began Friday afternoon and represented the diversity of our profession. The opening session on Friday evening featured Dr. Carol Chapelle of Iowa State University speaking on "Interaction and Language Learning in the 21st Century." She talked about the increasing use of computers in language learning and the different types of computer interactions. She emphasized that those activities that focus on form through meaningful tasks are particularly beneficial for language learning. The Midwest Equity Assistance Center sponsored Dr. Chapelle’s visit. Participants enjoyed a reception following the session.

A continental breakfast was held on Saturday morning, followed by more concurrent sessions. Forty-four participants attended the annual business meeting and learned about a number of ways to become involved in the organization.

Dr. Socorro Herrera of Kansas State University spoke on "A Passion for Challenge: Teaching for Diversity at 21" at the luncheon session. Her talk highlighted the personal side of our profession and the mark we make on people’s lives, often without our even knowing it. Wes Eby issued an enthusiastic challenge for MidTESOLers as host affiliate members to volunteer for "TESOL 2001: Gateway to the Future". The Soap and Water Company donated gift baskets of various sizes to lucky participants. The afternoon ended with more concurrent sessions and a book giveaway.

Please visit <www.midtesol.org> for more information and to see pictures from the conference.