Hello, SPLIS Members!

The TESOL 2013 Convention in Dallas is just around the corner, and I am very excited about meeting some new SPLISers, seeing friends, and attending what promise to be outstanding SPLIS presentations. This will be my 13th TESOL Convention, and I am looking forward to this one just as much as I did way back in 2001 at St. Louis. (Though, hopefully, the weather will be warmer in Texas!)

In my experience, the best place to learn about SPLIS and to meet some of the people who make it all work is at the Open Meeting. I remember my first SPLIS Open Meeting, though I can’t remember which year it was. I walked into the small room (maybe New York?) and it was like a “Who’s Who” of Pronunciation. I was starstruck to recognize gurus like Judy Gilbert, Marnie Reed, and Linda Grant. And there they were, just sitting around and acting like real people. I have since come to learn that SPLISers, be they published experts or classroom teachers just like me, are an exceptionally friendly bunch. A great way to learn more about SPLIS and meet other people who have a passion for pronunciation, speaking and listening is to come along to the Open Meeting, which this year will be on Thursday evening from 5:00 to 6:30.The Open Meeting will also give me a chance to properly thank Michael Burri, our outgoing SPLIS chair, for the leadership and the work he has done throughout the year. I realize I am stepping into big shoes, but I also know I can count on his kindness and knowledge as I assume the role of chair. If you see him in the halls at Dallas, please take a moment to thank him. Without volunteers like Michael and all the others on the SPLIS board, the convention simply wouldn’t be possible.

Of course, the main reason I look forward to the TESOL Convention year after year is the fantastic professional development it offers. Even though I have been teaching for 17 years, I do not feel as though I am finished learning how to be a good teacher. So I am eagerly anticipating the new ideas, reinforcement of old theories, and overall motivation and sense of refreshment I get from listening to my peers share their best practice and research. I have never left a convention without notes full of interesting ideas, new texts to try, and a feeling of fulfilment. This year promises to be no different. The Academic Session, “Teaching Listening: From Perception to Comprehension,” boasts an incredible line up of experts, including Janet Zadina, Steve Brown, Marnie Reed, and Helen Solórzano. I find listening a real challenge to help students improve, and I am excited about hearing the research behind development of listening comprehension in a new language.

However, even if you can’t attend TESOL this year, please consider becoming more involved in SPLIS, whether you submit an article to our newsletter, sign up to read proposals for 2014, or post a question or share and idea on the SPLIS e-list.

I hope to see you in Dallas!

Tamara Jones

SPLIS chair-elect

Tamara Jones has been an ESL instructor for 16 years. She has taught in Russia, Korea, England, the United States, and Belgium. She is currently an instructor at the British School of Brussels. Tamara holds a PhD in education from the University of Sheffield, in England.