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About TESOL

Advancing Expertise in English Language Teaching

TESOL Is the Trusted Global Community for Knowledge and Expertise in English Language Teaching

Our Mission

TESOL International Association advances professional expertise in English language teaching to speakers of other languages in multilingual contexts worldwide through professional learning, research, standards, and advocacy.

TESOL International Association is the largest community dedicated to English language teaching.

Who We Are

Our community of more than 13,000 English language professionals located around the world includes:

  • Language instructors, professors, and teachers.
  • Teacher educators and trainers.
  • Program administrators, coordinators, and supervisors.
  • Students.

Our staff teams up with member volunteers from around the world to advance the knowledge and expertise of English language teaching professionals. 

What We Do

We serve the community by providing the programs, tools, and resources needed to advance expertise in English language teaching. 

 

Our Values

Professionalism 

Offering excellence in standards, research, and practices that enhance English language teaching and learning.

Respect 

Advocating for equity, diversity, inclusion, access, multilingualism, multiculturalism, and language rights.

Integrity 

Committing to ethical and transparent action.

Lifelong Learning

Enabling a culture of continuous learning.

Our Commitments

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access

As we journey together to be better colleagues, friends, and stewards of this community we are building, we commit to seeking diverse and inclusive participation within the field and upholding antiracist and antidiscrimination policies and practices for ourselves and our global partners and sponsors. Read our full commitment and track our journey

Innovation

We seek to seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and enhance the user experience. Track the progress of our current technology improvement project

Sustainability

We aim to positively impact and minimize harm to the environment. 

Work Culture

Key tenets of the interactions between colleagues, between supervisors and subordinates, between volunteers and staff, and among volunteers are mutual respect, collegial and constructive communication, honesty, and personal responsibility. View our full code of conduct

Communication

When communicating with our constituents and partners, we strive for clear, factual, transparent, and responsive messaging. 

Educator Rights

We believe teachers have the right to a safe work environment where they are compensated commensurate with their expertise and education. We stand in support of English language education and join with organizations and coalitions to advocate for teacher rights. 

Support TESOL

Sustain and support TESOL's future. 

Support

Share your knowledge with others.

Impart

Put your products and services in front of the profession.

Sponsor, Exhibit and Advertise

We have more than 200 leaders serving on more than 40 ways throughout the year. No matter the commitment you can make we can help you grow your network and build your leadership skills. 

Give Back

Contribute to best practices and research in English language teaching. 

Advocate for the English language teaching field and our learners.

Advocacy

For over 50 years, TESOL has been advancing the expertise of English language professionals. The development of TESOL began in 1963 when a small group met during the annual conference of the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs (NAFSA) to discuss the idea for a more specialized organization for teachers of English to speakers of other languages.  

The first conference on the teaching of ESOL took place in Tucson, Arizona in 1964, attracting more than 700 participants--far more than expected. 

In March 1966, at the third annual conference, a constitution and bylaws were adopted and Teachers of English to Speaker of Other Languages (TESOL) was created. Each year TESOL celebrates Founders' Day on 17 March.  

Other Resources

The annual report is a summary of the activities and highlights of the previous year, the leadership and an end of year statement and financial position. 

Review the annual report

The TESOL bylaws describe how TESOL International Association is structured and constituted as a legal entity. 

Read the bylaws

The TESOL policy manual contains information on TESOL's mission, values, governance structure, and procedures. 

Review the policy manual

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