Dear HEIS Members,

Our goal in this message is to demystify the convention proposal process by describing the process, the timelines, and tasks.

First, the call for proposals takes place with the deadline usually at the end of May for the conference which is held the end of March the following year. Second, the proposals are adjudicated by three reviewers, using a rubric. Third, the interest section (IS) chairs select the proposals. This takes place during July and August.

We tried to pick a balance from each type of session: workshop, colloquium, posters, discussion, practice oriented, research, teaching tips, and roundtables. Only two colloquia were submitted, so they were automatically “in.” Several research sessions, posters, and discussions were submitted; we chose those ranked highest by reviewers. After the IS chair(s) select the proposals, he or she submits the selections to the conference committee. We then sent selections in for tweaking. Once we submit our selections, the conference committee gives us feedback on whether they are acceptable. 

Finally, acceptances go out the middle of October with comments for the author. Here is an example of reviewers’ comments on one of my proposals and the feedback from reviewers. One proposal we submitted received very varied reviews, as you can see.

Reviewer 1: The proposal is somewhat vague in regards to the background theory that will be used; however, it promises to be a useful session for participants.

Reviewer 2: This is a very clear proposal from title to summary to description. Plan for more than 50 in this audience! This is the kind of practice-oriented session that will attract crowds. Likewise, presenters should come with at least 100 handouts ... or at least materials ready for download at easy to find link

Reviewer 3: Wonder how serious presenters are when they submit a proposal with so many typos and misspellings?

According to Lisa Dyson, TESOL director of conference services,

The proposal selection process includes a blind review, and each proposal is read by at least two reviewers who score the proposal based on set criteria. Another determining factor in the selection process is whether or not the topic suits the interest section to which it was submitted. The best proposals for a balanced program are then accepted to fill the interest section's designated number of session slots.

In Toronto, TESOL will host a special session titled "How to Write a Successful Proposal," at 9:30 am, Friday, 27 March, in Room 201D. After you have read the comments and/or attended the special session, we encourage you to submit a proposal for the TESOL 2016 convention.

Dyson continues,

With more than 3,000 submissions received each year, that means TESOL reviewers complete more than 9,000 reviews. The TESOL convention could not happen without the dedication of our reviewers.

Each year TESOL receives over 3,000 submissions for approximately 800 slots on the convention program. The IS chairs and the convention program chair have to make very difficult decisions with the number of high quality proposals we receive each year. They give thoughtful consideration not only to the reviewer ratings of the proposals, but also overall program subject matter and diversity of where the proposals come from.

Dyson continued,

For 2015 there were 733 sessions available that come from the call for proposals: 600 “concurrent” sessions, l00 poster sessions, and 33 roundtable exchanges. Each interest section receives its number of sessions as a direct ratio of how many proposals it receives. The more proposals an IS submits, the more sessions it gets assigned.

Therefore it is important for an interest section to submit a significant number of proposals.

On another note, U. S citizens need a valid passport to enter Canada. It takes about 5 weeks to receive your passport, and the cost is US$110, plus a US$25 processing fee.

Although this will be a pricey adventure, we hope that you will be able to join us in Toronto for the exciting TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo, Registration and housing information are available on the convention website.

With best wishes,

Debbie East

Ruth Weinstein

Co-Chairs of the Higher Education Interest Section

Debbie East an adjunct lecturer for the Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Department at Indiana State University. She also teaches online and face-to-face courses in the Teacher Education Department at Indiana University Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC), Columbus, Indiana.

Ruth Ann Weinstein is an instructor at Showa/Boston, the Study abroad program for Showa Women’s Institute, Tokyo, Japan. She is interested in community service learning for the English language learner as well as children's literature.