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Interest Section Chair Responsibilities and Benefits

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Term of Service

The interest section (IS) chair is elected and serves for two years. The first year the IS leader serves as chair-elect, and the second year the IS leader serves as chair.

General Responsibilities

  • Provides leadership within his or her IS
  • Determines priorities and activities for the year
  • Archives IS activities for the year
  • Acts in accordance with the IS’s governing rules and stated IS purpose
  • Initiates regular contact with the chair-elect and other IS leaders to discuss issues and activities
  • Keeps members informed of relevant emerging issues
  • Appoints IS assembly delegates, IS community manager, newsletter editor, and Web content manager
  • Submits an annual report to Central Office after the annual TESOL convention
  • Manages and keeps records of the IS budget
  • Identifies emerging leaders within the IS and oversees the election of IS officers

Convention-Related Responsibilities

  • Oversees IS InterSection activities
  • Organizes the IS open meeting
  • Ensures that all IS leaders attend meetings as appropriate

Resources and Support

  • Interest Section Leadership Council
  • TESOL Board of Directors liaison
  • TESOL staff
  • Steering Committee
  • Modest budget

Benefits

  • Opportunity to increase professional contacts and expand leadership skills
  • Invitation to the leadership events at the annual TESOL convention
  • Leadership training at the annual TESOL convention
  • Access to an IS leaders’ listserv
  • Opportunity to apply for an IS special project grant
For more information about becoming an interest section chair, please contact TESOL's Education Programs Department.