ALIS Newsletter - August 2013 (Plain Text Version)
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FROM THE OUTGOING CHAIR
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 |
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