Like the look of the new TESOL Connections? Well, even more changes are coming your way. Here’s a look at what you can expect in the coming months from your association:

What’s Changing

TESOL’s Name and Logo
As you may have heard, TESOL’s new name is TESOL International Association. Though the name has changed, you and your fellow ESL and EFL professionals can still count on your association to support the important work that you do. Of course, “TESOL” is still a handy abbreviation, and it’s been around for almost 50 years, so the association will continue to use it when appropriate. For more information about the new name and logo, please read the press release.

TESOL’s Web site
Later this fall, look for a completely new TESOL Web site. The new site will still have all the useful information and resources you’ve come to expect, but the redesign means the content you need will be easier to find. TESOL has been working closely with member volunteers as well as professional Web designers and usability experts to ensure that the new site is very user-friendly and the content is accessible. Along with improved usability and search functionality, you’ll also see a completely redesigned bookstore and resource center.

TESOL Connections
TESOL Connections’ new look is more than just an eye-catching revision. The new format allows you to easily access, download, and rate articles; share interesting items with your friends directly or via social networking sites; and easily access the archives. TESOL has also used your feedback from the 2011 TC Reader Survey, which was open to all members, to improve TC’s content. Look for your old favorites, such as Leo Schmitt’s “Grammatically Speaking” and Sarah Sahr’s monthly lesson plans, and new items such as “Experience Speaks,” a regular feature focusing on the practical elements of a specific teaching topic, written by an expert on that topic. And if you’re using your phone more often to check your e-mail and search the Web, we’ve got you covered: TC is now available in a mobile version, so you can access TC anywhere you go.

Why the Change?

TESOL has helped shape the field of English language teaching as it has evolved into an academic discipline and, over the past half-century, the acronym “TESOL” has become a ubiquitous term for the field of English language teaching and anything associated with it. As the demand for English language teaching has exploded worldwide, the association’s communications have evolved, too. The TESOL Board has recently approved a new 3-year strategic plan, a new credo, and updated core values for the association that reflect its developing mission and breadth.

With these changes, TESOL International Association stands ready to more effectively support you and other English language professionals worldwide. The new name, along with a new look and logo, will help the association reach out to engage with new groups and individuals to advance excellence the field.

When you have a minute, please read the TESOL Blog for an important message from TESOL President Christine Coombe about these changes. The association welcomes your thoughts and comments.