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.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA)
In principle and in practice, TESOL values and seeks diverse and inclusive participation within the field of English language teaching and is committed to upholding antiracist and antidiscrimination policies and practices within the association while requiring the same level of commitment from its global partners and sponsors. TESOL promotes equitable representation, engagement, and access to professional opportunities for all and proactively works to eliminate any kind of discrimination and social injustice based on individual differences, including language background, race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion and belief, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, culture, appearance, and geographic location. TESOL is committed to being a welcoming organization. This commitment is reflected in our leadership, membership, sponsors, global partners, resources, and staff and by ensuring an inclusive environment at all levels.
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 Story
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.
Get Involved
Learn More about TESOL
Read on for ways you can connect to TESOL resources and community.
Volunteer and gain leadership skills.
We have more than 200 volunteer leaders who serve on 40+ committees, councils, communities of practices, and the board of directors.
Get Published
Contribute to best practices and research in English language teaching.
Our members submit articles and read their peers’ work in our TESOL Journal and TESOL Quarterly publications.
Build Expertise
Receive free and discounted resources for career advancement.
Our webinars, events, online courses, and certificate programs offer our members many opportunities to sharpen their skills and advance their careers.
Take Action
Contribute to advocacy efforts for the English language teaching field and learners.
Our resources include the TESOL Advocacy Action Center, Advocacy and Policy Summit, position statements, and toolkits.
Other Resources
TESOL Annual Report
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.
TESOL's Bylaws
The TESOL Bylaws describe how TESOL International Association is structured and constituted as a legal entity.
TESOL's Policies
The TESOL Policy Manual contains information on TESOL's mission, values, governance structure, and procedures.
For previous annual reports, please contact us.