Dear Colleagues,

At this time of year those of us lucky enough to have funding are looking forward to TESOL, not only for the sessions but also for the all-important networking that gets done at these types of events. I sometimes say that the most important work gets done in the hallways between sessions and meetings! It just seems that one of the benefits of being able to attend events like TESOL is having conversations with people with common experience who have insights into shared problems and challenges. When it is all over, we go home and hopefully build on the support we have received.

What about colleagues who cannot attend TESOL at the international or regional levels? With budget realities being what they are, it is important to keep the connections and support lines open and utilized for those unable to attend conferences. Thus, I would like to support Rob Dickey, our outgoing chair, in his praise for our excellent newsletter and encouragement for people to contribute to the listserv as much as possible. These are two key ways in which our far flung membership can really share, learn, and support one another. For example, the current issue of the newsletter looks at three major areas in which administration and faculty concerns intersect. All three articles are helpful, research based, and probably resonate strongly with most administrators. I think there are possibilities here for a preconvention workshop for faculty who are navigating new roles as administrators at some level. As there are many models and a growing body of research to support a variety of approaches, I think a workshop might be well attended.

I would like to thank all of you who have helped PAIS throughout the last year. While Rob has already mentioned you in his letter, I would like to add my thanks to him for his tireless support of me and PAIS and certainly his remarkable ability to wade through and sum up some of the more perplexing aspects of TESOL bureaucracy! I am so glad he will be there as past chair to support our team in 2015, some of whom are continuing and others of whom are new. The 2015 team is:

Co-Chairs-Elect: Angela Dornbusch and Linda Wesley

Community Manager: Diana Siemer

Nominations: Misty Popovich

Newsletter Editors: Jackie Evans and Hannaliisa Savolainen

Member-at-Large: Marjaneh Gilpatrick

Past Chair: Robert Dickey

If you are coming to TESOL 2015, please do attend our annual meeting. We are a friendly bunch and welcome suggestions and new faces. Last year, we really had a very nice and informal discussion on issues most important to members at that time. The good news is that this year we get the early time slot of 5 pm–6:30 pm on Thursday (Room 201C), so people do not have to go to a late dinner or simply miss out on dinner entirely!

I’m looking forward to meeting and working with all you.

My very best,
Bev Earles
Incoming Chair