Education
Instructional Psychology & Technology, Ph.D.
Brigham Young University — August 2012 Dissertation: Evaluation in Computer-Assisted Language Learning
TESOL, M.A.
Brigham Young University — August 2005 Project: Self-Access Centers: Maximizing Learners’ Access to Center Resources
Linguistics, B.A., TESOL Minor
Brigham Young University — December 2003 Emphasis: Second language acquisition and pedagogy
Academic and Administrative Appointments
ELC Director
Brigham Young University — Provo, UT August 2019–Present
- Provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership for the English Language Center, aligning staffing, policies, curriculum, assessment, teacher development, research, and student support with university and departmental priorities.
- Supervise and develop five faculty, four administrators, and two staff, with indirect oversight of approximately 10 part-time faculty and 40 additional employees including undergraduate and graduate student teachers.
- Direct the ongoing evaluation and improvement of instruction, curriculum, assessment, technology, policies, and overall program effectiveness.
- Oversee instructor recruitment, teaching assignments, orientation, mentoring, evaluation, and professional development while fostering a collaborative working and learning environment.
- Oversee research conducted at the ELC by reviewing proposals, methods, instruments, and timelines; supporting graduate-student and faculty research; serving on MA committees; and encouraging publication and dissemination.
- Chair the ELC Executive Council and lead strategic planning, cross-unit problem solving, accreditation and regulatory coordination, fiscal stewardship, and implementation of major program initiatives.
- Partner with department faculty to provide undergraduate and graduate students with practicum teaching, internships, classroom observations, research opportunities, and other applied professional experiences.
Curriculum Coordinator
Brigham Young University — Provo, UT September 2014–August 2019
- Coordinated the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of a cohesive, mission-aligned intensive English curriculum responsive to the needs of students, teacher trainees, instructors, and administrators.
- Collaborated with assessment and technology leadership to align program assessments with curricular objectives and used assessment results, research, student evaluations, and classroom evidence to guide curricular improvements.
- Taught selected courses, observed instruction, modeled effective curriculum implementation, and mentored instructors through feedback and targeted teaching interventions.
- Led curriculum-development teams of BYU students and ELC instructors and advised TESOL MA students and Linguistics faculty on the creation and evaluation of instructional materials.
- Coordinated teaching applications and assignments, facilitated practicum opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, and monitored instructional quality.
- Served on the ELC Coordinators’ Council and Executive Council, contributing to strategic planning, program problem-solving, and the collection and publication of institutional profile data.
Faculty, Basic Composition and ESL
Utah Valley University — Orem, UT | August 2012–August 2014
- Taught ESL courses while carrying a 40-credit-equivalent annual teaching load.
- Coordinated the ESL reading curriculum and provided training to ESL reading instructors.
- Administered all placement assessments for incoming ESL students.
- Directed the ESL Tutoring Program and coordinated instructional support for multilingual learners.
Visiting Faculty, English Language Center
Brigham Young University, English Language Center — Provo, UT September 2006–August 2009
- Taught intensive English courses and modeled excellence in course planning, classroom instruction, and student assessment.
- Supervised an assigned language-skill area, coordinating teacher orientation, curriculum implementation, and instructional support.
- Observed and mentored part-time instructors and contributed to the training and professional development of TESOL student teachers.
- Contributed to the continuing review and development of the ELC curriculum, instructional materials, assessments, and evaluation practices.
- Assisted with student testing, placement, orientation, and class scheduling.
- Served on the ELC Executive Council and collaborated with Linguistics faculty on research related to curriculum and language instruction.
Other Relevant Teaching Experience
Adjunct Faculty — Basic Composition and ESL (IEP)
Utah Valley University — Orem, UT January 2011–August 2011
Adjunct Instructional Psychology and Technology Instructor
Brigham Young University, McKay School of Education — Provo, UT September 2009–June 2011
Adjunct ESL Teacher (IEP)
Brigham Young University, English Language Center — Provo, UT September 2009–April 2011
ESL Instructor (IEP)
Brigham Young University, English Language Center — Provo, UT May 2006–August 2006
ESL Instructor (English for Business Purposes)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Urbana, IL August 2005–December 2005
Linguistics Instructor (Ling 330)
Brigham Young University, Linguistics and English Language — Provo, UT January 2005–April 2005
ESL Instructor (Community and IEP Courses)
Brigham Young University, English Language Center — Provo, UT May 2003–August 2005
Publications
Books
Eckstein, G., Evans, N. W., Hartshorn, K. J., & McMurry, B. L. (2022). Curriculum Development for Intensive English Programs: A Contextualized Framework for Language Program Design and Implementation. Taylor & Francis.
Barker, J., Dewey, D., & McMurry, B. (2022). Positive Psychology Reading Materials: Integrating Reading Skills and Well-Being in ESL Instruction. EdTech Books. https://edtechbooks.org/PositivePsychologyReadingMaterials
Phillips, M., Dewey, D. P., Rogers, C., Summers, M., & McMurry, B. (2022). Positive Psychology in the Classroom. https://edtechbooks.org/PositivePsychologyintheClassroom
Book Chapters
McMurry, B. L., Evans, N. W., Dutra, P. K., Montaño, C., Sohler, S., & Whippy, V. T. (2023). Perceptions of language-program administrators’ most important responsibilities. In M. Christison & F. L. Stoller (Eds.), English Language Program Administration (Educational Linguistics, Vol. 59). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28601-8_3
Articles
Hartshorn, K. J., Smemoe, W., Millar, M., & McMurry, B. (2026). Are we there yet? Factors affecting proficiency development for speaking and writing in intensive English study. Journal of Linguistics and Language Teaching (JLLT), 17(1), 11–36. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20595408
Thorpe, W. C., Baker-Smemoe, W., Hartshorn, K. J., McMurry, B. L., & Wilcox, M. (2025). The relationship of language anxiety and English learners’ accentedness, comprehensibility, and speech rate across three communication tasks. System, 133, 103721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2025.103721
Smith, L., Tanner, M. W., & McMurry, B. L. (2024). Mindfulness in the English language classroom: Student perceptions of positive psychology curriculum interventions. The Canadian Modern Language Review, 80(4), 285–312. https://doi.org/10.3138/cmlr-2023-0053
Rogers, C., McMurry, B. L., & Dewey, D. P. (2023). Teaching positive psychology lessons in an intensive English program. ELT Journal, ccad052. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccad052
Eckstein, G., Coca, K., Lung, Y. S. M., & McMurry, B. L. (2023). Praise in written feedback: How L2 writers perceive and value praise. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 40(2), 135–151. https://doi.org/10.1080/10573569.2023.2175341
Hartshorn, K. J., McMurry, B. L., & Hart, J. (2023). ESL Learner and TESOL Practitioner Perceptions of Language Skill Difficulty. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 5(4), 1–19. https://tesolunion.org/journal/details/info/fMjMwaLmZh/ESL-Learner-and-TESOL-Practitioner-Perceptions-of-Language-Skill-Difficulty
Hartshorn, K. J., Hart, J. M., & McMurry, B. L. (2022). Improving student evaluations of TESOL practitioners. TESL Reporter, 54(1 & 2), 43–89. View publication
Judd, J., Henrichsen, L., Eckstein, G., & McMurry, B. L. (2021). Malaysian English teacher morale and the presence of expatriate English teachers. Asian Journal of English Language Teaching. View publication
Rivera, C. K., Eckstein, G., Eddington, D. E., & McMurry, B. L. (2021). The effects of metacognitive listening strategy instruction on ESL learners’ listening motivation. Research Papers in Language Teaching and Learning, 11(1), 251–267. View publication
Hartshorn, K. J., & McMurry, B. L. (2020). The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on ESL learners and TESOL practitioners in the United States. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 2(2), 140–156. https://doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2020.09.11
McGann, S., Evans, N. W., McMurry, B. L., & Sandholtz, K. (2020). Challenges in BCOM: Student and faculty perceptions on English as an additional language. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1177/2329490620944880
James, J. C., Henrichsen, L., Tanner, M., & McMurry, B. L. (2019). The development of the Study Buddy Map, a tool for L2 conversation-partner programs. TESL Reporter. View publication
Nix, M., Evans, N., Eckstein, G., & McMurry, B. L. (2019). Designing and developing an online self-regulated learning course. International Journal of Designs for Learning. https://doi.org/10.14434/ijdl.v10i1.23671
James, J. C., Henrichsen, L., Tanner, M., & McMurry, B. L. (2019). A case study in the administration and operation of an L2 conversation-partner program. TESL Reporter. View publication
Hartshorn, K. J., McMurry, B. L., & Hart, J. (2019). Comparing language skill priorities among TESOL faculty and ESL students bound for English-medium universities. TESOL Journal. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesj.438
Summers, M., Cox, T., Dewey, D., & McMurry, B. (2019). Investigating the use of the ACTFL Can-Do Statements in an intensive English program for student placement. System. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2018.12.012
Cox, J., Henrichsen, L., Tanner, M., & McMurry, B. L. (2019). The needs analysis, design, development, and evaluation of the English Pronunciation Guide: An ESL teachers’ guide to pronunciation teaching using online resources. TESL-EJ. View publication
McMurry, B., West, R. E., Rich, P., Williams, D. D., Anderson, N. J., & Hartshorn, K. J. (2016). An evaluation framework for CALL. TESL-EJ, 20(2), 1–31. View publication
McMurry, B., Rich, P. J., Hartshorn, K. J., Anderson, N. J., & Williams, D. D. (2016). Criteria language teachers use when selecting CALL technologies. The Journal of Language Learning and Teaching, 6(1), 48–65. View publication
McMurry, B. L., Tanner, M. W., & Anderson, N. J. (2010). Self-access centers: Maximizing learners’ access to center resources. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 1(2), 100–114. View publication
McMurry, B., Tanner, M., & Anderson, N. (2009). Self-access centers: Maximizing English language learners’ access to center resources. TESL-EJ, 13(1). View publication
Mentoring
Completed Theses/Projects/Portfolios — Committee Member
Ireedui Baasanjargal (2026). Teaching Portfolio
Lauren Dorothy Smith (2026). Gratitude and the L2 Writer: The Effects of Gratitude Journaling in the ESL Writing Classroom
Nathan Jack Burgess (2025). Teaching Portfolio
Joclyn May Farrales (2025). Harnessing Strengths Through Peer Coaching: Supporting the Well-Being of Novice ESL Teachers
Fran Jara (2024). Developing Adult English Language Learners’ Fluency and Pronunciation Skills Through Readers Theater
Lauren Smith (2023). Mindfulness in the English as a Second Language Classroom
Cole Thorpe (2023). L2 English and Language Anxiety: Accuracy, Comprehensibility, and Speech Rate Across Three Communication Tasks
Michelle McMurray (2023). So You Want to Teach Abroad? A Guide for Prospective English Teachers
Kate Hadfield (2023). Student Perceptions of Praise in L2 Written Feedback
Jessica Sousa (2023). Positive Psychology Reading Materials: Integrating Reading Skills and Well-Being in ESL Instruction
Haley McKee Hanson (2023). ESL Program Analysis of U.S. Community Colleges
Zachary Lambert (2022). Do ESL Students Progress an Entire ACTFL Proficiency Sub-Level in Speaking and Writing Each Semester?
Matthew Millar (2022). Do ESL Students Progress an Entire ACTFL Proficiency Sub-Level in Speaking and Writing Each Semester?
Adriana Reeve (2022). A Survey-Based Analysis on Adult Community ESL Learners: Perceptions of Challenges, Online Learning, Resources, and Skills
Maryann Phillips (2022). Publishing Positive Psychology for ESL Student Success
Carolee Rogers (2022). Positive Psychology Interventions in an SLA Context: A Semester-Long Study of the Impact of Positive Psychology on the Well-Being and Language Development of English Language Learners
Natasha Gillette (2022). The Creation of Items for a Listening Placement Test Item Bank in an Intensive English Program
Valmene Teriipaia (2021). Evaluating a Hospitality Context for an English Program in Bora Bora
Anne Bennion (2021). Mentoring English Language Teachers: Principles, Practices, and Resources
Ashley Benson (2021). Curating ESL Programs’ Resource Libraries
Claudia Mencarelli (2021). Application of a Self-Regulation Framework in an ESL Classroom: Effects on IEP International Students
Karla Coca (2020). Praise in Written Feedback: How L2 Writers Perceive and Value Praise
Sydney Sohler (2020). Developing Listening Comprehension in ESL Students at the Intermediate Level by Reading Transcripts While Listening: A Cognitive Load Perspective
Ariana Avila (2020). Development of a Communicative-Focused English as a Second Language Curriculum for the Provo Missionary Training Center According to the ACTFL Proficiency Scale
Adam Pinkston (2020). An Exploration of Mental Contrasting and Social Networks of English Language Learners
Asena Cakmakci (2020). Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions to Lower Test Anxiety
Aislin Davis (2019). A Comparison of Mobile and Computer Receptive Language ESL Tests
Johanna Domingo (2019). Perceptions of Malaysian English Teachers Regarding the Importation of Expatriate Native and Nonnative English-speaking Teachers
Paula Cabrera (2019). A TESOL MA Introductory Course: A Course for New TESOL MA Students at Brigham Young University
Katherine Nobmann (2018). Toward Meeting the Needs of Novice ESOL Teachers
Corbin Rivera (2018). The Effects of Metacognitive Listening Strategy Instruction on ESL Learners’ Listening Motivation
Susie McGann (2018). Evaluating and Addressing the Needs of Non-Native English Speakers in Management Communication Courses at Brigham Young University
Jenelle Cox (2018). The Needs Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of an ESL Teachers’ Guide to Pronunciation Teaching Using Online Resources
Judy James (2018). The Needs Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of the Study Buddy Map: An English Language Tutoring Tool
Cassandra Sanders (2017). Teaching with Intention: The Perceived Benefits of Reflective Teaching Journals in TESOL Teacher Training
Mariah Krauel (2017). Designing and Developing an Online Self-Regulated Learning Course
Maria Summers (2017). Investigating the Use of the ACTFL Can-Do Statements in a Self-Assessment in an Intensive English Program for Student Placement
Presentations
International Presentations
McMurry, B., Jackson, K., Summers, M., Farrales, J., Rogers, C., & Dewey, D. (2026). Building flourishing communities: Student, teacher, and administrative perspectives in positive language institutions. Presented at the PLL6 Conference, Shantou, China.
Rogers, C., Farrales, J., Smith, L., Dewey, D., & McMurry, B. (2026). From awful to awesome: Unpacking the impact of awe on engagement in second language learning. Presented at the PLL6 Conference, Shantou, China.
Smith, L., Tanner, M., & McMurry, B. (2026). Gratitude and the L2 writer: Exploring the effects of gratitude journaling on second language writers' motivation and wellbeing. Presented at the PLL6 Conference, Shantou, China.
Ennis, M., Vianna, A., & McMurry, B. (2026). Shape the future of TESOL: Become a proposal reviewer or strand coordinator! Presentation given at the annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Salt Lake City, UT.
Ennis, M., McMurry, B., & Vianna, A. (2026). TESOL proposal writing workshop: Tips, feedback, and collaboration. Workshop given at the annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Salt Lake City, UT.
Ennis, M., Vianna, A., & McMurry, B. (2026). Life after 60: Imagining what’s next. Panel facilitated at the annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Salt Lake City, UT.
McMurry, B. (2026). Explain, engage, empower: Principles of interactive English language teaching. Conference for English Language Teachers, Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan, and Sainshand Mongolia.
McMurry, B., Ennis, M., & TESOL CPC. (2025). Proposal writing workshop. Workshop given at the annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Long Beach, CA.
McMurry, B., & TESOL CPC. (2025). TESOL Convention reflection with TESOL past presidents. Panel facilitated at the annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Long Beach, CA.
Araiza, M., Rodriguez, J., & McMurry, B. L. (2024). Socioeconomic factors influencing English language learning in university students. Presentation given at the Psychology of Language Learning PLL5 Conference, Madrid, Spain.
Thorpe, C., Smemoe, W., McMurry, B., & Hartshorn, K. J. (2024). The effect of second language anxiety on English learners’ foreign language accuracy, comprehensibility, and speech rate across three communication tasks. Presentation given at the Psychology of Language Learning PLL5 Conference, Madrid, Spain.
McMurry, B., Summers, M., Jackson, K., & Rogers, C. (2024). A framework for evaluating positive institutions. Presentation given at the Psychology of Language Learning PLL5 Conference, Madrid, Spain.
Farrales, J., Dewey, D., McMurry, B., & Bell, T. (2024). Character strengths with early-career and pre-service coaching. Presentation given at the Psychology of Language Learning PLL5 Conference, Madrid, Spain.
Rogers, C., McMurry, B., & Dewey, D. (2024). The longitudinal effects of positive psychology interventions on English language learners. Presentation given at the Psychology of Language Learning PLL5 Conference, Madrid, Spain.
McMurry, B. (2024). It’s time to maximize interaction in the classroom. Plenary given at the English Language Teaching Conference, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
McMurry, B. (2024). Interactive vocabulary and reading. Workshop given at the English Language Teaching Conference, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Farrales, J., & McMurry, B. (2024). Integrating positive psychology and language learning. Teaching tip given at the annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Tampa, FL.
McMurry, B., Farrales, J., Smith, L., Summers, M., Baker, A., & Dewey, D. (2023). The effects of positive psychology interventions on teachers. Presentation given at the 34th International Conference on Foreign / Second Language Acquisition, Szczyrk, Poland.
Chan, K., McMurry, B., & Baker, A. (2023). Does mental contrasting and goal setting affect writing students’ self-regulation? Presentation given at the 34th International Conference on Foreign / Second Language Acquisition, Szczyrk, Poland.
McMurry, B. (2023). Where do we go from here? Plenary given at the English Language Teaching Conference, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
McMurry, B. (2023). Interactive grammar in context. Workshop given at the English Language Teaching Conference, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
McCollum, R., & McMurry, B. (2023). Time management and project management strategies for TESOL professionals. Presentation given at the annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Portland, OR.
Conferences Professional Council. (2023). Conferences Professional Council. Workshop for first-time attendees led by McMurry, B., at the annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Portland, OR.
McMurry, B., Summers, M., Baker, A., Smith, L., Farrales, J., & Dewey, D. (2023). The effects of positive psychology interventions on teachers. Presentation given at the annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Portland, OR.
Conferences Professional Council. (2022). Conferences Professional Council. Workshop for first-time attendees led by McMurry, B., at the annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Pittsburgh, PA.
Jackson, K., & McMurry, B. (2022). Confidently opening the door to open educational resources. Presentation given at the annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Pittsburgh, PA.
McMurry, B., Summers, M., Rogers, C., Phillips, M., & Ortega, D. (2022). Can positive psychology interventions be successfully blended with language instruction? Presentation given at the annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Pittsburgh, PA.
James, J., & McMurry, B. (2021). Case study: Administration and operation of an L2 conversation-partner program. Presentation given at the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, virtual.
McMurry, B. L. (2019). Hey class, it’s TOEFL Tuesday! Teaching tip presented at the 2019 Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Atlanta, GA.
McCollum, R. M., & McMurry, B. L. (2019). Badges for language learning. Workshop presented at the 2019 Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Atlanta, GA.
Hartshorn, K. J., Hart, J., & McMurry, B. L. (2018, March). Design, deliver, respond: Best practices in instructor and course evaluations. Pre-convention institute presented at Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Chicago, IL.
Hartshorn, K. J., Hart, J., & McMurry, B. L. (2018, March). Effective development, utilization, and analysis of ESL teacher evaluations. Paper presented at the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Chicago, IL.
McMurry, B. L., & Tanner, M. (2018, March). Helping Preservice TESOL Teachers' Dialogue Through Reflective Teaching Journals. Poster session presented at the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Chicago, IL.
Cox, T., Hart, J., & McMurry, B. L. (2016). Systematic approaches to training raters of ESL speaking and writing. Pre-convention institute presented at Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Toronto, Canada.
Eckstein, G. E., Evans, N. W., Hartshorn, K. J., & McMurry, B. L. (2015). A contextualized approach to curriculum change and improvement. Pre-convention institute presented at Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Toronto, Canada.
Eckstein, G. E., Evans, N. W., Hartshorn, K. J., & McMurry, B. L. (2014). Curriculum design for ESL programs: Focus on the essentials. Workshop presented at the conference of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Portland, OR.
McMurry, B. L., & Pettersson, J. (2014). Assessment for engagement: Extensive reading and Canvas quizzes. Presented at the conference of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Portland, OR.
McMurry, B. L. (2013). Criteria language teachers use for selecting CALL technologies. Paper presented at Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Dallas, TX.
McMurry, B. L., Henrichsen, L., & Ripplinger, L. (2012). Digital teaching portfolios. Paper presented at Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Philadelphia, PA.
McMurry, B. L. (2010). Using Google Sites to create a class website. Paper presented at the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Electronic Village, Boston, MA.
McMurry, B. L., & Henrichsen, L. (2010). Digital teaching portfolios. Paper presented at the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Electronic Village, Boston, MA.
McMurry, B. L., Cox, T., & McCollum, R. (2007). Ideas for iPods. Paper presented at the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Seattle, WA.
McMurry, B. L. (2005). Using the web to promote autonomy. Paper presented at the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention Graduate Student Forum, San Antonio, TX.
McMurry, B. L., McMurry, A., Tarawhiti, N., & Porter, S. (2005). Integrated students in an intensive English program. Paper presented at the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention Graduate Student Forum, San Antonio, TX.
McMurry, B. L., & Tanner, M. (2004). Training tutors for ESL computer labs. Paper presented at the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Convention, Long Beach, CA.
National and Regional Presentations
Makino, M., Bumandalai, U., Miles, S., Duarte, C., Poe, C., & McMurry, B. (2026). How can English language programs adapt to changes in U.S. international policy? [Conference presentation]. Utah Board of International Educators, Salt Lake City, UT.
Slagoski, J., & McMurry, B. (2026). AI policy. UCIEP Annual Directors Conference, Bandera, TX.
Samford, K., Reppert, K., & McMurry, B. (2026). Director wellbeing. UCIEP Annual Directors Conference, Bandera, TX.
McCollum, R., McMurry, B., Miles, S., Bumandalai, U., & Humphrey, L. (2025). Leveraging English language programs to internationalize Utah campuses [Conference presentation]. Utah Board of International Educators, Weber State University, Ogden, UT.
McMurry, B., Summers, M., & Jackson, K. (2023). Evaluating and researching positive language learning institutions. Presentation given at the Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Sandy, UT.
Summers, M., Jackson, K., & McMurry, B. (2023). Grammar me this or that! PBL is where it’s at! Presentation given at the Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Sandy, UT.
McMurry, B. (2023). Understanding the exceptional language learner. Presentation given at the Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Sandy, UT.
Farrales, J., McMurry, B., & Lung, M. (2023). Integrating positive psychology and language learning. Presentation given at the Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Sandy, UT.
Chan, K., Baker, A., McMurry, B., Eckstein, G., & Dewey, D. (2022). Does setting language goals impact students’ self-regulation in writing classes? Presentation given at the Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Cedar City, UT.
Summers, M., McMurry, B., Dewey, D., Baker, A., Jackson, K., Smith, L., & Farrales, J. (2022). Integrating positive psychology interventions into language learning curriculum. Presentation given at the Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Cedar City, UT.
McMurry, B. (2022). Q&A with program directors. Invited panelist at the Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Cedar City, UT.
McMurry, B., Summers, M., Rogers, C., Phillips, M., & Ortega, D. (2021). Can positive psychology interventions be successfully blended with language instruction? Workshop at the 2021 Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), held virtually.
McMurry, B. L. (2020). Using Notion to organize your lesson plans. Presented at the 2020 Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), held virtually.
McMurry, B. L., Jackson, K., & Hart, J. (2019). Balancing teacher training and high-quality English language teaching. Workshop presented at the 2019 Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Taylorsville, UT.
Hartshorn, K. J., Hart, J., & McMurry, B. L. (2018). Language skill priorities among TESOL practitioners, ESL students, and their university professors. Presented at the 2018 Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Salt Lake City, UT.
McMurry, B. L. (2018, September). How do I teach listening? Presented at the 2018 Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Salt Lake City, UT.
Hartshorn, K. J., Hart, J., & McMurry, B. L. (2017, October). Developing and using insightful ESL teacher evaluations. Presented at the 2017 Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Provo, UT.
Sanders, C., Tanner, M., & McMurry, B. L. (2017, October). Empowering pre-service TESOL teachers through reflective teaching journals. Presented at the 2017 Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Provo, UT.
Summers, M., Cox, T., & McMurry, B. L. (2017, October). To thine own self be true: How well do Can-Do Statements predict ability? Presented at the 2017 Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), Provo, UT.
McMurry, B. L., & Sanders, C. (2016, October). Microcredentialing for teacher professional development. Presented at the annual Intermountain TESOL Conference, Provo, UT.
Wyatt, A., & McMurry, B. L. (2016). Do you want to be my study buddy? Electronic poster presented at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Convention, Boston, MA.
Jackson, K., Summers, M., McMurry, B. L., & Hart, J. (2016). ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, Level Descriptors, and Learning Outcomes. Presented at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Convention, Boston, MA.
Summers, M., Cox, T., & McMurry, B. L. (2016). To thine own self be true: How well do Can-Do Statements predict ability? Presented at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Convention, Boston, MA.
McMurry, B. L., & Hart, J. (2015). Adapting ACTFL proficiency levels for an academic intensive English center. Roundtable presented at the Annual ACTFL Convention, San Diego, CA.
McMurry, B. L., Brown, K., Summers, M., & Stephens, C. (2015). Matching learning outcomes to learning experiences. Presented at the 2015 Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), West Yellowstone, MT.
McMurry, B. L., & Eckstein, G. E. (2015). Essentials of curriculum design and development for ESL teachers. Presented at the 2015 Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), West Yellowstone, MT.
Pettersson, J., & McMurry, B. L. (2015). Common sense grading practices which support student learning. Presented at the 2015 Annual Conference of Intermountain Teachers of English as a Second Language (I-TESOL), West Yellowstone, MT.
McMurry, B. L. (2015). Canvas — An LMS for language learning. Paper presented at InstructureCon 2015, Park City, UT.
McMurry, B. L., Henrichsen, L., & Ripplinger, L. (2014). Digital teaching portfolios. Presented at the annual Intermountain TESOL Conference, Orem, UT.
McMurry, B. L., & Pettersson, J. (2014). Assessment for engagement: Extensive reading and Canvas quizzes. Presented at the annual Intermountain TESOL Conference, Orem, UT.
McMurry, B. L., & Pettersson, J. (2013). Tightening up an IEP. Presented at the annual Intermountain TESOL Conference, Salt Lake City, UT.
McMurry, B. L. (2012). An evaluation framework for CALL. Paper presented at the annual Intermountain TESOL Conference, Orem, UT.
McMurry, B. L. (2012). Criteria language teachers use for selecting CALL technologies. Paper presented at the annual Intermountain TESOL Conference, Orem, UT.
McMurry, B. L. (2011). Creating a website for classroom use, online and blended learning, or to “flip” the classroom. Paper presented at the annual Intermountain TESOL Conference, Salt Lake City, UT.
McMurry, B. L. (2009a). Google Sites workshops. Paper presented at the Intermountain Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (I-TESOL) Conference, Provo, UT.
McMurry, B. L. (2009b). iLife, ESL, and the past tense. Paper presented at the AcademiX Apple Educator Conference, Salt Lake City, UT.
McMurry, B. L. (2008). Make a phone call and use CALL. Paper presented at the Intermountain Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (I-TESOL) Conference, St. George, UT.
Evans, N., Hartshorn, K. J., Thompson, C., McMurry, B. L., Dodge, I., & Magnusson, J. (2007). Developing a curriculum philosophy. Paper presented at the conference of Intermountain TESOL, Twin Falls, ID.
McMurry, B. L. (2007a). Google tools for teaching and learning. Paper presented at the Intermountain Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (I-TESOL) Conference, Twin Falls, ID.
McMurry, B. L. (2007b). Open source software for teachers. Paper presented at the Intermountain Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (I-TESOL) Conference, Twin Falls, ID.
McMurry, B. L., Cox, T., & McCollum, R. (2006). Podcasting and ESL. Paper presented at the Intermountain Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (I-TESOL) Conference, Kaysville, UT.
McMurry, B. L., Tanner, M., & Allen, E. (2004). Factors influencing autonomous learning by ESL students. Paper presented at the Deseret Language and Linguistics Society Symposium, Provo, UT.
Professional Service
International Association for the Psychology of Language Learning (IAPLL)
President-Elect (June 2026 - Present)
Social Media Team (June 2022-June 2026)
TESOL International Association
Professional Development Council Member (April 2026 - Present)
Conferences Professional Council Member and Chair (October 2021–April 2026)
Intermountain TESOL
K–12 Interest Section Chair (October 2020–October 2021)
2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, President (October 2012–October 2017)
2014 Conference Organizer
Webmaster (January 2007–October 2017)
Treasurer (August 2008–October 2010)
Higher-Ed Interest Section Chair and Vice Chair (October 2006–October 2008)
Brigham Young University
Graduate Student Association Representative (January 2004–August 2005)
Other Professional Employment
Test Item Writer
Avant Assessment, LLC — Eugene, OR October 2011–August 2012
Software Developer
Brigham Young University, McKay School of Education — Provo, UT January 2010–August 2012
ESL GMAT/GRE Preparation Instructor
Selnate — Provo, UT May 2005–August 2005
Selected Teaching and Curriculum Awards
Distinguished Teaching Assistant Award — BYU, September 2011
Grand Prize Winner of Innovative Instruction Competition — BYU, March 2011
Languages
English (native)
Spanish (advanced)