As the leaves turn, I am reminded that this is not an ending, but instead a beautiful transition, making way for new growth (next spring). For many of us, the colors, cooler weather, and a warm cup of coffee/tea are inspiration for deeper reflections on who we are, what we aim to do, and how we might get there.

As administrators, now that the rush of a new school terms has passed, we need to find that professional distance from the here and now, to examine ourselves and our programs. As noted in the March 2014 issue of PAIS Newsletter, program administration has many facets; this October issue focuses on issues relating to the areas of operations and linkages. Although you might not immediately connect the current articles to operations and linkages, I’m suggesting we take a “big-picture approach” here. Being able to see the forest, not just the trees, is one of the major hallmarks of the distinction between teaching and administration.

Operations runs beyond what happens in the classroom, and how the organization supports the classroom: How do we document our program successes, and how do outsiders (accrediting agencies and umbrella organizations) view our operations? Linkages include both those within our own host organization (university, school district, etc.) and those external.

Bridge programs are a perfect example of operations that are explicitly about linkages; program portfolios document operations, an area of particular interest to accrediting agencies. See how it all comes together? Especially when we make portfolio development a reflective exercise, with a feedback loop to improve operations, and include our linkage partners in our review process.

Another facet of program administration is people skills, which includes both how we interact with and develop our team, and how we develop ourselves. We invite you to consider a new type of professional development as an administrator—leadership in your program administration interest section! Your colleagues in PAIS want you!

It’s already the time to start thinking about attending the next TESOL convention, 25–28 March in Toronto. I look forward to seeing your there.

Rob Dickey
PAIS Chair

 
Marnie Reed, current Interest Section Leadership Council past chair, grants certificates of service to Kris Hiller and Britt Johnson, past co-chairs of PAIS.