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TESOL 2013 was an invigorating and inspiring experience for me,
and I hope it was for you as well. With exceptional keynote speakers,
academic sessions, and intersections, this year’s conference was a
wonderful exchange of best practices, experience, and wisdom. Thank you
to everyone that participated this year!
The ALIS annual meeting was a vigorous discussion about the
existence of our IS. Despite a light attendance, the caliber of the
conversation was very high. Those in attendance shared concerns about
ALIS membership as well as ideas to engage and re-engage members. One
thought was that it might not be clear to nonmembers what the benefits
are in being part of an interest section. To combat this, it was
suggested that ALIS have a presence at the graduate student forum to
meet with students particularly interested in applied linguistics. From
there it is hoped that a partnership or mentorship between grad students
and applied linguistics professionals would not only boost membership
and activity within the IS, but keep the IS connected to the work being
done at the graduate level. Additionally, engaging better with TESOL
professionals to understand both the benefits of TESOL membership and
ALIS participation might increase interest and membership in both
groups.
Along this same line of engaging better with graduate students,
I want to thank Jana Moore and Olga Griswold, our newsletter editors,
for their development of a “Graduate Student Corner” in our AL
newsletter. It was reported at the annual meeting that this section has
worked well and that they plan to continue with and, ideally, expand
this section.
I am very excited to continue working with our new chair, Eli,
and new chair-elect, Hayriye, as we continue to find ways to make our
interest section active and strong. Please remember that if you are
interested in serving in a leadership position with ALIS, the elections
for IS officers will be coming in November. Please keep an eye out for
the e-mail from Eli; your leadership is needed!
As I transition to outgoing chair, I want to thank each and
every one of you for your participation in our interest section and
challenge you with this question: What do I want from my participation
with ALIS? You are encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas with the
leadership team as we work to make your membership in ALIS beneficial
and worthwhile.
Have a great summer!
Kara Hunter |
