Changes Ahead!

It’s February, and a new season is just around the corner. With it come changes including the TESOL convention, new interest section officers, and some significant changes in the TESOL International Association structure overall.

As administrators, we are expected to look ahead as well as manage in the present (and of course, report on the past). Flux is our normal. However, this year looks to be more turbulent than usual. What’s ahead?

I’d like to especially point your attention to major changes proposed through the TESOL Governance Reforms. You probably heard about this governance reform development process months ago: It was mentioned at last year’s convention (Portland) and various emails have come out with updates since last summer. Are we ready?

There are some important changes envisioned. As with any change, some will be uncomfortable, others not yet clear. But some of TESOL’s volunteer bureaucracy will be eliminated, and a task-force model more often employed. For example, it is proposed that the IS Leadership Council be removed and the interest sections report directly to the council. On the other hand, with the removal of standing committees, it is not clear (to me) who will handle TESOL’s book and serial publications. A “flat” model of administration means far more voices trying to catch the ear of a smaller council and the risk of killing productive workgroups while clearing away red tape (“the baby with the bathwater”). Who decides?

At our own IS level, we have been delaying possible revisions to the PAIS Governing Rules as we await the outcome of the proposed restructuring. As there are 750 members of PAIS, we have a lot of talent, many ideas, and a wide variety of expectations. We’d love to hear from you through the listserv.

As we all know, there are very few courses that help prepare English language teachers for administrative responsibilities. One of my hopes has been that we share more insights. We can share published articles and manuscripts (respecting copyrights, of course!). But we could also share short bits, experiences, or pearls of wisdom found or passed on. It would be wonderful to compile these somewhere. One starting point is the PAIS Newsletter. You are invited to contribute!

This issue is a great example: looking at the interactions between teachers and administrators. Taken in the proper spirit, these interactions can be—should be—growth opportunities in a learning organization.

Take a look at the recent issues of the PAIS Newsletter to catch up on what others are doing in our area. Many thanks and gold stars go to Hannaliisa Savolainen and Jackie Evans, our newsletter co-editors, for their undying efforts and superlative work.

Along with them, thanks go to all of the 2014–2015 PAIS leadership team: Beverley Earles, Kristin Hiller, Britt Johnson, Misty Popovich, Diana Siemer, and Thu Tran. Numerous others also helped in ways great and small, but space limits prevent us naming them all here. You know who you are…Thanks from all of us who benefited from your labors!

Immediately following the convention, I become “past chair”—which, as current past co-chairs Kristin and Britt can attest, is not quite the easy retirement you might think. I’m confident our new chair Dr. Beverley Earles and the team will carry PAIS to greater heights. Your participation will help make it so.

I strongly encourage all who attend the 2015 convention in Toronto to attend our PAIS General Meeting, Thursday 26 March, from 5 pm–6:30 pm in Room 201C. You can volunteer in umpteen ways at the meeting, or by contacting us prior to the meeting. Remember, elected leaders are only half the team, it’s not too late to become a leader in PAIS!

(Just because it’s a conference doesn’t mean you escape meetings!) You will find no hidden agendas…we really seek your ideas. Last year’s general meeting surprised me considerably, in very good ways. It’s your chance to connect with fellow administrators and share insights, not just listen to reports.

Collegially yours,

Rob Dickey