Job Discussion Forums

[bluetortilla]

Troubled by what I and many others regard as a highly commercialized, unprofessional, and vocational TEFL industry, I propose we establish a foundation for better teaching and higher standards in both applied linguistics and linguistics in general in any country where TEFL is conducted.

I think there should be closer relationships with academia, encouragement of publishing and post-gradutate activity by members, inherit interest in the host nation's language and customs, speaker seminars reviewing theory and methodology, reviews and criticisms of credentials such such as CELTA, similar reviews and critiques of industry owned English training centers and public school contractual positions, and a discussion of basic human rights for teachers in the industry and the positive and negative effects they have on local culture.

I strongly believe that the association should in no way promote commercial activities or accept any advertising, that it be financed through member subscription, that it publish a monthly journal both in paper and electronic form, and that it adhere to the highest academic standards possible. The association should be divided by chapter, that neither chapter size nor contribution be predetermined but that chapter findings and activities be made public through a central office.

The association I describe is loosely based upon the Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT) which I was a member of from 1990-2000. You can find JALT at
http://jalt.org
Although I am not proposing that the association be directly associated with JALT in any way, I am suggesting that it is perhaps a good model to emulate.

Anyone interested in this idea of improving English education in general and promoting higher professional standards and quality in TEFL positions worldwide, please PM me.

[nomad soul]

Such an international association already exists: TESOL International, which, by the way, JALT is affiliated with as are many other affiliates around the world. In fact, I recently started a thread related to them, "TESOL Int'l announces certificate accreditation initiative" (http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=106684). Some of the areas of interest/discussion topics you proposed, however, would be more appropriate for a local or national TESOL association due to country-specific laws and culture rather than an organization that's international. Anyway, if you go to TESOL.org's site, there's a list of country affiliates.

[bluetortilla]

[rtm]

TESOL Int'l Assoc. (http://www.tesol.org) is a great professional organization to be part of, and offers many opportunities for professional development, such as virtual seminars, face-to-face workshops, opportunities to present at conferences, opportunities to publish, etc. The Interest Sections (special interest groups) are also a very useful source of ideas, inspiration, and information, and you can join as many as you want. Their career center has many opportunities. Local TESOL affiliates can get you involved in your local professional community.

I've never had any involvement in it, but you might want to also check out IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language): http://www.iatefl.org/