While in the midst of this past pandemic year, it felt like each day crept along incredibly slowly. But now, looking back one year after the world mostly closed down to stop the spread of the virus, it seems like it flew by. A good part of that impression comes from all the activities that we performed as TESOL members and English language teaching professionals. We came together in virtual spaces and supported one another in myriad ways that, in retrospect, seem a bit like a whirlwind!

The Affiliate Network Professional Council (ANPC) contributed to this activity. It plays an important advisory role to the TESOL Board of Directors and serves as a bridge from TESOL International Association to our 115 affiliate organizations, helping to promote strategic initiatives and share news and issues from the field. In this past year, the ANPC held six webinars and several social events. Affiliate leaders participated on a panel for our Advocacy & Policy Summit last June and will do so again this June. In July 2020, the ANPC organized a successful 3-day professional development (PD) event and is doing a second online event on 9-11 April 2021. Members of our global affiliates are presenting best practices for instruction, sharing strategies for building partnerships, networking with one another, and even having some time for socializing. Please be sure to join us!

Our affiliates have been very active too--running online conferences, building libraries of resources for their members, and holding their online PD events. At the local level, many joined forces with fellow educators and advocates to make sure English learners had devices and internet access, information about covid-19 precautions, food, and socio-emotional counseling.

Our culture of community was strengthened in these past 12 months as we found more ways to interact virtually and became more skilled at tech tools too. We have had a very full year and we have lived our strategic plan. We enhanced TESOL’s global presence and connectivity; we shared knowledge and expertise widely, and we promoted agency through voice and advocacy. We have committed to countering acts of discrimination and bigotry to promote social justice. Let’s continue to be #TESOLStrong!

As we move into a new normal, I wish you the best in your personal and professional lives. Thank you for all you are doing for TESOL, our learners, and our colleagues,

Deborah J. Short, Ph.D.
President, TESOL International (2020-21)