Job Discussion Forums

Jizzo T. Clown

I've thought about becoming a member of TESOL, but I honestly can't see that many benefits other than a subscription to its (quarterly) magazine...and $70 seems a bit steep for that. Does anyone have any positive experiences with this organization that may cause me to change my opinion?

http://www.tesol.org/s_tesol/index.asp

Gregor · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 842 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

I dunno, man. My knee-jerk reaction is "No, don't bother."
But then I thought that having professional organization membership on your CV can't be a bad thing. Not worth it by itself, so as I write this I am also perusing the TESOL site and it MIGHT actually be helpful in getting a new job, getting published, and so on. I'm not thinking about it for myself. If I do it, I'll let everyone know how it works out.

Sherri · Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:00 am Post subject:

I am a member. I got it originally while I was still in Japan because I was looking for a job in the States. You can get a lot of job info, US-based and international. Last month I joined an on-line seminar hosted by TESOL on curriculum development that was very useful for my job. But having it on your resume is also worthwhile. You come across sounding very unprofessional if you don't belong to at least one professional organization in your field. There are also opportunities to publish and get more involved at different levels of the organization. Going to conferences and presenting as a TESOL member is also beneficial and looks great on your resume.

A friend of mine who is teaching ESL at a university in the US just told me that they are cutting back on staff and everyone has to prepare a teaching portfolio which is going to be used to help them evaluate who to cut and who to keep. Every little bit helps.

Regards
Sherri

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 2:06 pm Post subject:

Sherri,

Are you saying that there are jobs that are available only to TESOL members? And the online seminar, was that gratis (i.e. included in your membership) or was it quite expensive?

I think I agree that having it on your CV would set you apart from those who don't.

Scary about your friend in uni. You'd think that seniority would come into play in a situation like that.

Sherri · Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 6:01 pm Post subject:

Hi JT Clown

I think anyone can apply for the jobs, but if you are a member you are notified first by email when they become available. With the online seminars members pay a small fee, non-members pay more (I can't remember how much more). Also non-members pay more to attend conferences.

If you plan to stay in this field for the next few years and especially if you plan to someday get a job in your home country (as in my case), I think it is worth it.

Best
Sherri

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 5:06 pm Post subject:

After perusing their site, it's no wonder why most posters on this forum are not members--TESOL has their own discussion boards. Embarassed

Of course, you have to be a member to access them...

Thanks Sherri. I think joining TESOL would be in my best interest. Who knows, maybe I can get my boss to pay for it, then I can take some vacation days to attend the conferences.