Hello from your outgoing chair,

Can you believe the TESOL convention is just around the corner? I’m really looking forward to it, and, in fact, I have a surprise for you. (Drum roll, please!) The ITAIS has received a minigrant from TESOL this year to fund what I am calling “The Lone Ranger” breakfast on 6 April.

“Who are the lone rangers?” you may ask. They are the many ITA professionals who are isolated at their university—they may be the only one or one of a few individuals in their university tasked with ITA responsibilities, or they may be housed separately from other ESOL professionals at their university. However, they are our colleagues who depend on interactions at TESOL and through the ITA listserv for their primary support, understanding, and solutions.

Because many of you have multiple roles and your days at the TESOL convention are packed with sessions you cannot miss, this Lone Ranger breakfast will be held before sessions begin. It’s scheduled for 6:30 -7:45 am in the Latrobe room in the Hilton. Please email me to RSVP at tummonsm@missouri.edu by 15 March. We will begin serving breakfast (and copious amounts of coffee) at 6:30 am. At 7:15, we will follow with a discussion of the issues of small programs and how the ITAIS can help those of us with small programs overcome barriers for a more rewarding experience.

The ITAIS annual meeting will be held on 6 April from 5:00-6:30 pm in room 319 of the Convention Center. The meeting will be followed by our annual ITA dinner which is being held this year at the Rusty Scupper at 7:30 pm. I know that most people tend to avoid interest section meetings—the very word “meeting” has so many negative connotations. But please put your preconceived ideas aside, as we are not your normal interest section. Because ITA work is so unique, our IS is also unique. I am continually amazed at the individuals I have met through the ITAIS. Through their input, I have become a better instructor, a better ITA coordinator, and a better person. Please join us!

Liz