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About

TESOL Committees and Councils

TESOL relies on its talented, visionary volunteers who help lead the organization by contributing their time and ideas to TESOL Committees and Councils. 

TESOL Governace Committees

Governance committees are responsible for critical areas of governance within the association. Members are elected to their positions.

Charge

The Executive Committee determines policy and conducts TESOL business between meetings of the full board of directors.

The Executive Committee consists of three members: The current TESOL president, the president-elect, and the past president.

Members, 2022-2023

TESOL President: Joyce Kling 
TESOL President-Elect: Shelley Taylor
TESOL Past President: Gabriela Kleckova
Staff Partner: Amber Kelleher

Charge

The Finance Committee reviews TESOL’s proposed budget, analyzing it and presenting recommendations to the board of directors. The committee also drafts financial policies for presentations to the board, annually reviews TESOL’s investment portfolio, reviews TESOL’s quarterly financial reports, and review’s TESOL’s annual audit report.

Members of the Finance Committee must be TESOL members in good standing and currently serving on the TESOL Board of Directors.

Members, 2022-2023

Okon Effiong, Chair
Gabriela Kleckova
Graciela Martin

Charge

The Nominating Committee solicits nominations from the membership entities, standing committees, and other TESOL constituencies, and from the membership for TESOL leadership elections: president, board of directors, and the next year's Nominating Committee.

Responsibilities

Members maintain communications with the chair, with most of these communications being held in the first half of the calendar year. The bulk of the committee's work is done in June and July and members must be available for a series of conference calls during that time. Members participate in all committee conference call meetings and attend meetings at the annual convention.

Qualifications

Members must be TESOL members in good standing for at least four of the previous ten years and familiar with the TESOL organization. Familiarity with TESOL is demonstrated by strong service to TESOL within the past six years. Such service includes one or more of the following:

  • active membership in a standing committee, task force, or special project
  • past service on the board of directors

2022 Members

Chair: George Kormpas
Past Chair: Veronica Sardegna
Board Liaison: Gabriela Kleckova
Staff Liaison: Rita Buckner

Elena Andrei 
Melanie Gobert
Alex Monceaux
Yasmine Romero
Sarah Sahr
Suzan Stamper
Jorge Torres Almazan
Cherrilynn Woods Washington

TESOL Professional Councils

Professional Councils provide professional expertise to help advance the Association's strategic objectives and activities. Made up of TESOL members, Professional Councils supplement or complement the practical work of the Association.

Purpose

The Affiliate Network Professional Council (ANPC) supports TESOL International Association by helping to foster a strong and robust affiliate network. The ANPC accomplishes this by facilitating clear and timely communication between and among affiliate associations and TESOL International Association, developing programming in support of affiliate organizations, and advising on initiatives and activities that advance the association’s strategic direction. 

Terms of Service

The ANPC shall consist of up to 10 members, plus a staff partner and board liaison. The ANPC shall ensure adequate membership to carry out its duties and responsibilities as specified below.

Members are appointed by the TESOL executive committee through an application process, with advice from the leadership of the current ANPC. The application solicits information regarding education and professional training, relevant experience, and potential contributions to the professional council with reference to the professional council’s goals and objectives. Once appointed, professional council members make a one-year commitment to serve. They may seek to renew their commitment annually, for up to three years of service.

Each year, an incoming chair shall be nominated by the TESOL executive director though an application process from within the ANPC, with input from the current ANPC leaders and final approval by the executive committee. Only those serving on the professional council at the time of the application process are eligible to apply. Once appointed, the designee shall serve for one year as incoming chair, one year as chair, and one year as past chair before rotating off the council. 

Service on the ANPC shall begin and end at the annual TESOL convention.  

Membership Criteria 

Interested applicants must be TESOL members for at least 3 years and have at least 1-2 years of volunteer experience with TESOL International Association.

Interested applicants shall be asked to list their level of education, experience, and how they are qualified to contribute to the ANPC in meeting its goals and objectives, including recent demonstrable leadership experience with a TESOL affiliate. ANPC members should have knowledge and experience of TESOL International Association and its affiliate associations, the relationship between TESOL and its affiliate associations, and the strategic direction of the association. The council membership should reflect the widest possible range of professional expertise and experience, reflecting TESOL’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

Duties and Responsibilities

The ANPC will collaborate with the staff partner to facilitate activities that support the affiliate network. This includes, but is not limited to, advising on programmatic elements, facilitating procedures for activities within the affiliate network, developing a collaborative partnership between TESOL International Association and its affiliate associations, and enhancing and fostering communication among affiliate associations. It will also provide oversight and advice for projects pursued as part of this partnership.

The ANPC shall:

  • Assist with procedural elements to develop and maintain the affiliate network.
  • Review and revise additional criteria for joining and remaining in the affiliate network as needed.
  • Review and advise the executive committee of TESOL on new and renewal affiliate applications.
  • Facilitate methods to collect, share, and disseminate information and knowledge on emerging professional issues through the affiliate network.
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration between and among TESOL International Association and affiliate associations.
  • Support networking and professional development events for leaders within the affiliate network.
  • Convene the Annual Affiliate Assembly and the Affiliate Colloquium.
  • Solicit and select for referral the “Best of Affiliate” sessions for the annual convention.
  • Publish a biannual newsletter for the affiliate network.

Members, 2024-2025

Chair: Jermaine McDougald
Chair-Elect: Karen Newman
Past Chair: Linh Phung
Board Liaison: Justin Shewell
Staff Partner: Jeff Hutcheson
Members:
Marwan Abdi
Marianela Ayub
Melissa Hauke
Kessia Kiwia
Ching-Ching Lin
Catherine Njau
Jorge Torres Almazan

Purpose

The Awards Professional Council (APC) supports TESOL International Association by recognizing outstanding accomplishments of individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the TESOL field and offering opportunities for educators to participate in the association’s programs. The APC accomplishes this by working with the staff partner and board liaison to coordinate the review and selection of applications for specific TESOL awards and grants as determined by the board of directors.

Terms of Service

The APC shall consist of up to , plus a staff partner and board liaison. The APC shall ensure adequate membership to carry out its duties and responsibilities as specified below.

Members are appointed by the TESOL executive committee through an application process, with advice from the leadership of the current APC. The application solicits information regarding education and professional training, relevant experience, and potential contributions to the professional council with reference to the professional council’s goals and objectives. Once appointed, professional council members make a one-year commitment to serve. They may seek to renew their commitment annually, for up to three years of service.

Each year, an incoming chair shall be nominated by the TESOL executive director though an application process from within the APC, with input from the current APC leaders and final approval by the executive committee. Only those serving on the professional council at the time of the application process are eligible to apply. Once appointed, the designee shall serve for one year as incoming chair, one year as chair, and one year as past chair before rotating off the council.

Service on the APC shall begin and end at the annual TESOL convention.

*APC members are not allowed to apply for or receive any TESOL Awards while serving in the council and for a period of 1 year after rotating off the council.

Membership Criteria

Interested applicants must be TESOL members for at least 3 years and have at least 1-2 years of volunteer experience with TESOL International Association.

Interested applicants shall be asked to list their level of education and experience and explain how they are qualified to contribute to the APC's goals and objectives. APC members should have experience as an awards reviewer prior to serving. The council membership should reflect the widest possible range of professional expertise and experience, reflecting TESOL’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

Duties and Responsibilities

The APC shall:

  • Coordinate activities related to the adjudication of applications for TESOL awards and grants.
  • Recruit volunteers to review applications.
  • Serve as an award reviewer (and in some cases as a tiebreaker).
  • Assess and administer the award review process.
  • Provide guidance on the criteria and adjudication for TESOL awards and grants.
  • Develop and implement a process for the periodic review and revision of TESOL awards and grants.
  • Assist in the recognition of award winners.

Members, 2024-2025

Chair: Qian Du
Chair-Elect: Phyo Wai Tun
Past Chair: Luan Thanh Nguyen
Board Liaison: Cynthia Wiseman
Staff Partner: Nancy Flores
Members:
Piero Carlini
Kelley Cordeiro
Melissa Ferro
Rosario Giraldez
Svetlana Koltovskaia
Maria Luisa Sadorra
Ali Yaylali

Purpose

The Conferences Professional Council (CPC) shall ensure that the content and program of TESOL International Association conferences are focused on current issues that impact the field of English language teaching, responsive to the diverse needs of members and the TESOL field and aligned with the strategic direction of the association. The CPC accomplishes this by working with the staff partner and board liaison in setting the overall goals for each conference, providing advice and guidance as needed.

Membership Criteria

Interested applicants must be TESOL members for at least 3 years and have at least 1-2 years of volunteer experience with TESOL International Association.

Interested applicants shall be asked to list their level of education, their leadership experiences with professional organizations and conferences, and explain how they are qualified to contribute to the CPC in meeting its goals and objectives. CPC members should have experience participating in professional conferences such as TESOL (including local and regional affiliate organizations), ACTFL, AAAL, etc. CPC members should also have experience leading or assisting in the planning, organizing, and hosting of professional conferences. They should have experience reviewing presentation proposals. The council membership should reflect the widest possible range of professional expertise and experience, reflecting TESOL’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

Duties and Responsibilities

The CPC shall:

  • Collaborate with the TESOL International Association staff, the board liaison, and other professional councils to develop a framework for determining the content, themes, and the selection of tracks and topics for TESOL conferences.
  • Advance the association’s reputation as the global leader in professional development for the TESOL field by upholding standards of quality in providing unique and outstanding keynote speakers and conference sessions that will benefit the profession and the field.
  • Uphold and advance the quality of TESOL conferences by:
    • working closely with strand coordinators and assistant strand coordinators to create a vibrant convention program that responds to changing trends in the field;
    • assessing current and anticipated needs as they relate to the call for proposals and proposal review process;
    • setting standards for conference speakers that address session titles, learning objectives, and the development and delivery of presentation content;
    • developing a process to continually evaluate the relevance of current conference and convention programming;
    • assisting association staff in identifying elements that will enhance the attendee experience at TESOL conferences; and
    • advising association staff on program content for TESOL conferences.
  • Collaborate with other professional councils to identify trends and issues in the field to shape programming and meet the needs of the English language teaching community.
  • Other tasks assigned by the executive committee or board of directors, as needed.

Members, 2024-2025

Chair: Ben McMurry
Chair-Elect: Michael Ennis
Board Liaison: Kate Reynolds
Staff Partner: Srisucha McCabe
Members:
Moises Alcantara Ayre
Amanda Baker
William Crawford
Jolene Dykstra
Liz Harriet Iornumbe
Jackson Kamugisha
Judith Ogweno
Yilin Sun
Adriana Vianna

Purpose

The Membership Professional Council (MPC) assists TESOL International Association in recruiting and engaging members of the association who teach English to speakers of other languages in multilingual contexts worldwide. The MPC accomplishes this by working with the staff partner and board liaison to advance the association’s strategic direction priority to build member value and engagement and to foster a satisfying member experience.

Terms of Service

The MPC shall consist of up to 10 members, plus a staff partner and board liaison. The MPC shall ensure adequate membership to carry out its duties and responsibilities as specified below.

Members are appointed by the TESOL executive committee through an application process, with advice from the leadership of the current MPC. The application solicits information regarding education and professional training, relevant experience, and potential contributions to the professional council with reference to the professional council’s goals and objectives. Once appointed, professional council members make a one-year commitment to serve. They may seek to renew their commitment annually, for up to three years of service.

Each year, an incoming chair shall be nominated by the TESOL executive director though an application process from within the MPC, with input from the current MPC leaders and final approval by the executive committee. Only those serving on the professional council at the time of the application process are eligible to apply. Once appointed, the designee shall serve for one year as incoming chair, one year as chair, and one year as past chair before rotating off the council.

Service on the MPC shall begin and end at the annual TESOL convention.

Membership Criteria

Interested applicants must be TESOL members for at least 3 years and have at least 1-2 years of volunteer experience with TESOL International Association.

be asked to complete their TESOL demographic profile, list their experience, and how they are qualified to contribute to the MPC in meeting its goals and objectives. MPC members should have general knowledge of TESOL, its members, activities, membership structure, programs, and benefits. The council membership should reflect the widest possible range of professional expertise and experience, reflecting TESOL’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

Duties and Responsibilities

The MPC shall:

  • Welcome and engage new members and first-time attendees at TESOL events.
  • Communicate opportunities to the staff partner that arise for partnerships with affiliates, communities of practice, and other educational institutions that may increase membership and engagement with the association.
  • Provide support and feedback to staff-led efforts, such as reviews of TESOL’s membership model and benefits and plans for TESOL recruitment and retention campaigns.
  • Recommend programs and activities that will enhance the member experience.
  • Review and assist with conducting, targeting, analyzing, and reporting on surveys about member satisfaction and engagement with TESOL and its programs and benefits.

Members, 2024-2025

Chair: Monica Baker
Chair-Elect: Mary Hillis
Past Chair: Chelsea Walter
Board Liaison: Larisa Olesova
Staff Partner: David Anderson
Members:
Eliza Brumbaugh
James Coda
Renuka Karunaratne
Nafisa Khudoynazarova
Haedy Liu
Klara Nazmutdinova
Debbie West

Purpose

The Professional Development Professional Council (PDPC) assists TESOL International Association in advancing the association’s strategic direction priority to elevate English language teaching content. The PDPC accomplishes this by working with the staff partner and board liaison to identify professional development needs based on issues and developments in English language teaching, as well as through membership feedback and surveys.

Terms of Service

The PDPC shall consist of up to 10 members, plus a staff partner and board liaison. The PDPC shall ensure adequate membership to carry out its duties and responsibilities as specified below.

Members are appointed by the TESOL executive committee through an application process, with advice from the leadership of the current PDPC. The application solicits information regarding education and professional training, relevant experience, and potential contributions to the professional council with reference to the professional council’s goals and objectives. Once appointed, professional council members make a one-year commitment to serve. They may seek to renew their commitment annually, for up to three years of service.

Each year, an incoming chair shall be nominated by the TESOL executive director though an application process, with input from the current PDPC leaders and final approval by the executive committee. Only those serving on the professional council at the time of the application process are eligible to apply. Once appointed, the designee shall serve for one year as incoming chair, one year as chair, and one year as past chair before rotating off the council.

Service on the PDPC shall begin and end at the annual TESOL convention.

Membership Criteria

Interested applicants must be TESOL members for at least 3 years and have at least 1-2 years of volunteer experience with TESOL International Association.

Interested applicants shall be asked to list their level of education, experience, understanding of professional development trends, and explain how they are qualified to contribute to the PDPC in meeting its goals and objectives. PDPC members should have knowledge about a particular English language instruction program level and its associated issues, trends, workplace requirements, and demographics. Members should also have background and experience in providing in-service training programs, other kinds of professional development programs, or both. The council membership should reflect the widest possible range of professional expertise and experience, reflecting TESOL’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

Duties and Responsibilities

The PDPC shall:

  • Assist TESOL staff to expand the variety and reach of professional learning opportunities.
  • Incorporate relevant research and development into TESOL professional learning.
  • Promote a positive member experience at all TESOL professional learning offerings.
  • Expand TESOL’s capacity for members to participate in professional learning opportunities.
  • Recommend specific programs, oversee their implementation, evaluate the effectiveness of each program, and provide general oversight of TESOL's professional learning programs.

Members, 2024-2025

Chair: Khanh-Duc Kuttig
Chair-Elect: Elsa Anderson
Past Chair:
Hetal Ascher
Board Liaison: Misty Adoniou
Staff Partner: Grace Allely
Members: 
Helene Becker
Kenneth Kuo-Pin Chi
Mispa Mbi
Joel Meniado
Suzan Stamper
Elena Taylor
Saihua Xia

Purpose

The Research Professional Council (RPC) informs, supports, and guides TESOL International Association’s research initiatives and priorities in alignment with its strategic direction. The RPC accomplishes this by working with the staff partner and board liaison to identify and support priority research areas and promote collaboration between researchers and practitioners.

Terms of Service

The RPC shall consist of up to 10 members, plus a staff partner and board liaison. The RPC shall ensure adequate membership to carry out its duties and responsibilities as specified below.

Members are appointed by the TESOL executive committee through an application process, with advice from the leadership of the current RPC. The application solicits information regarding education and professional training, relevant experience, and potential contributions to the professional council with reference to the professional council’s goals and objectives. Once appointed, professional council members make a one-year commitment to serve. They may seek to renew their commitment annually, for up to three years of service.

Each year, an incoming chair shall be nominated by the TESOL executive director though an application process from within the RPC, with input from the current RPC leaders and final approval by the executive committee. Only those serving on the professional council at the time of the application process are eligible to apply. Once appointed, the designee shall serve for one year as incoming chair, one year as chair, and one year as past chair before rotating off the council.

Service on the RPC shall begin and end at the annual TESOL convention.

Membership Criteria

Interested applicants must be TESOL members for at least 3 years and have at least 1-2 years of volunteer experience with TESOL International Association.

The RPC membership should be representative of the diversity of teachers, researchers, and teacher-researcher interests within the broader, international TESOL membership. Relevant application criteria include level of education, English language teaching and research experience (including methodologies, topics, and length of time in the field), geographical representation, institutional representation (to include all educational contexts), research contexts, understanding of the current TESOL research initiatives, and willingness to contribute to meeting RPC goals and objectives. The RPC aims for a mix of experienced and novice researchers who use a range of language teaching/learning research methodologies and engage in areas of investigation that include but are not limited to English language instruction and language learning theories, teacher education, professional identity, applied linguistics, learning an additional language, multilingualism, and world English(es). The council membership should reflect the widest possible range of professional expertise and experience, reflecting TESOL’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

Duties and Responsibilities

The RPC shall:

  • Identify priorities in ELT research for TESOL International Association's strategic support and development.
  • Promote productive, inclusive, and generative dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders (e.g., classroom teachers, administrators, policy makers, researchers, practitioners, professional councils, communities of practice, etc.).
  • Promote research by teachers and support teacher identities as critical consumers of research and as scholar-practitioners. 
  • Build members’ expertise in different types of scholarship and mentor novice scholars in the profession.
  • Assist TESOL in communicating research findings and priorities.
  • Provide support for the TESOL Award for Excellence in Research.

Members, 2024–2025

Chair: Amira Salama
Chair-Elect:
Huili Hong
Past Chair:
Ozgehan Ustuk
Board Liaison: Raichle Farrelly
Staff Partner: Sarah Sahr
Members: 
Erhan Aslan
Christine Coombe
Melissa Hauber-Özer
Christina Kitson
Georgios Kormpas
Maria Ramirez-Avila
Mariana Alvayero Ricklefs

Purpose

The Standards Professional Council (SPC) supports TESOL International Association in advancing the quality and expertise in the field of English language teaching through standards for teaching and learning. The SPC accomplishes this by working with the staff partner and board liaison to review and amplify quality standards of practice that are relevant to the ​profession of English language teaching, multilingual learners of English, and English language teacher training.

Terms of Service

The SPC shall consist of up to 10 members, plus a staff partner and board liaison. The SPC shall ensure adequate membership to carry out its duties and responsibilities as specified below.

Members are appointed by the TESOL executive committee through an application process, with advice from the leadership of the current SPC. The application solicits information regarding education and professional training, relevant experience, and potential contributions to the professional council with reference to the professional council’s goals and objectives. Once appointed, professional council members make a one-year commitment to serve. They may seek to renew their commitment annually, for up to three years of service. 

Each year, an incoming chair shall be nominated by the TESOL executive director though an application process from within the SPC, with input from the current SPC leaders and final approval by the executive committee. Only those serving on the professional council at the time of the application process are eligible to apply. Once appointed, the designee shall serve for one year as incoming chair, one year as chair, and one year as past chair before rotating off the council.

Service on the SPC shall begin and end at the annual TESOL convention.

Membership Criteria

Interested applicants must be TESOL members for at least 3 years and have at least 1-2 years of volunteer experience with TESOL International Association.

Interested applicants shall be asked to list their level of education, experience, and how they are qualified to contribute to the SPC in meeting its goals and objectives. SPC members shall have knowledge of and experience with relevant standards of practice in the TESOL field, including the application, development, revision, and application/implementation of standards. The council membership should reflect the widest possible range of professional expertise and experience, reflecting TESOL’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

Duties and Responsibilities

The SPC shall:

  • Assist TESOL International Association in​​ overseeing the development and maintenance of TESOL standards of practice.
    • Advise the board on standards of practice to meet the needs of the field of English language teaching and learning.
    • Provide guidance on the criteria and procedures to maintain quality standards of practice for the profession.
    • ​​Develop, implement, and assess an annual process for the review and revision of the association’s standards.
  • Support the association’s strategic direction.
    • Advise the association on initiatives related to standards of practice for the profession.
    • Provide feedback and guidance on standards-related programs and products for the association.
    • Increase the visibility of the association’s standards among members and the field of English language teaching and learning.
  • ​​Provide expertise to the association.
    • Review and offer feedback on other educational standards that impact the field of English language teaching and learning.
    • Monitor and inform the association on trends and developments related to standards of practice that impact the field of English language teaching and learning.
    • Identify gaps and opportunities for training related to educational standards.

Members, 2024-2025

Chair: Katya Koubek
Chair-Elect:
Lauren Anderson
Past Chairs:
Adrienne Johnson and Yogesh Sinha
Board Liaison: Kisha Bryan
Staff Partner: Tomiko Breland
Members: 
Özlem Baykan
Jim Granada
Susan Iannuzzi
Chao Zhang
Ally Zhou

Interested in Volunteering?

Give back to the TESOL community and your profession. In most cases, the call for volunteers will be held in August, with volunteers serving 1 November–31 October. Learn about how to volunteer. 

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