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Hello to all of you,
I’m sure you’ve heard before how important the ITAIS has been
for me. I have learned so much about teaching, testing, and
acculturating international teaching assistants through not only the
conference, but the listserv, the newsletter, and individual
conversations as well. It has been a lifeline to me. But, like any
support system, it requires work to maintain and support it. I’d like to
challenge all of you who have benefited from this interest section to
do something—anything—to support it this next year. There are so many
ways to do this.
- First and foremost, ask questions. For new
members, it’s a little daunting to take on a leadership role, but
querying the listserv is actually a really important task. There is
nothing too simple to put before our listserv. When someone asks a basic
question, I’m often surprised that other universities don’t do things
the way I do, and it gets me considering alternatives that might improve
my practice and my program. Seeing the interchange of ideas coming from
various colleagues and programs is what makes being a member of the
interest section a beautiful thing.
- Next, share stuff! We all create materials
and solve problems in different ways. I’m as guilty as anyone in that I
never think to write it up for the newsletter, so this morning I tried
to write up a teaching tip and, fully caffeinated, it only took half an
hour. You can do this, too. Our editor, Sarah Emory, is really good at
giving feedback and finding what is good and what is important in
anything you give her.
- Submit and present. 2016 conference
proposal decision letters will soon be sent out. If you weren’t
selected, please don’t let it discourage you. As chair, I already know
that both of my submissions failed, but I’ll have more next year. Start
thinking now about what you can share at TESOL 2017. If you’re not sure
about an idea, throw it out on the listserv and get some feedback. If
you don’t think you can do it alone, ask for help. That is the beauty of
being a member of this group.
- Finally, plunge in and serve. Recently,
Rebecca Oreto sent out an email asking for volunteers to serve as
officers. When I was asked, I had my doubts both about my capabilities
and the time commitment. To be honest, it doesn’t take that much time.
And more important, there are people in our interest section and in the
TESOL organization who will help you every single step of the way. Once
again, that is the beauty of being a member of this group.
If you’ve never done any of these things before, the idea of
doing anything more than observing can be a little daunting, but
becoming a part of this community, I can assure you, is well worth the
effort.
That’s the beauty of being a member of this group,
Liz |
