Skip to main content

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, teachers
  • Teacher educators, trainers
  • Program administrators, coordinators, supervisors
  • Students

Our staff teams up with member volunteers from around the world to advance the knowledge and expertise of English language teaching professionals. Meet our team. (link to Staff and Leaders page)

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

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 56 years TESOL has advanced English language teaching. 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.

Review the Annual Report 

TESOL's Bylaws

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

Read the Bylaws

TESOL's Policies

The TESOL Policy Manual contains information on TESOL's mission, values, governance structure, and procedures. 

Review our Policy Manual

For previous annual reports, please contact us.  

This website uses cookies. A cookie is a small piece of code that gives your computer a unique identity, but it does not contain any information that allows us to identify you personally. For more information on how TESOL International Association uses cookies, please read our privacy policy. Most browsers automatically accept cookies, but if you prefer, you can opt out by changing your browser settings.