Hello Erin and Everyone!
There are two types of Communities of Practice in TESOL International: Interest Sections (IS) and Professional Learning Networks (PLN). The Interest Sections are more formally structured groups while the PLNs are more informal in nature. If you have purchased a membership in the TESOL International Association, you can join as many communities as you like! No limits!
To join a group, click on the Communities button above and choose "All Communities." You will see a list of all the different communities. If you are interested in joining one, click on the name of the community and it will take you to the community page. On the right hand side of the community page is a green button that says, "Join/Leave (Name of Community)." Click on that, and it will take you to your account. When looking at your account page, click on the tab that says "Communities of Practice." Then, you will see a list of the communities with check boxes where you can indicate which ones you would like to join. You would also go to your account page to remove yourself from any of the groups.
It may sound complicated, but it is well worth it to be able to connect with like-minded colleagues and make the most of your TESOL membership.
Best wishes.
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Nikki Ashcraft
Associate Teaching Professor
University of Missouri
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Original Message:
Sent: 29-01-2021 10:27 AM
From: Erin Cho
Subject: Introduction
Thank you, @Nikki Ashcraft! Unfortunately I am able to "view only" the ESPIS according to the webpage. Perhaps I met my limit of Interest Sections I am allowed to join? Being new, I admit I am still a little confused between Communities and Interest Sections (getting the hang of it slowly!).
Best wishes,
Erin
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Erin
United States
Original Message:
Sent: 28-01-2021 10:01 PM
From: Nikki Ashcraft
Subject: Introduction
Hi Erin:
I see you have TEFL certification with ESP in Business English. If you haven't already, be sure to check out the ESP Interest Section! You'll be able to connect with other teachers working in that same area.
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Nikki Ashcraft
Associate Teaching Professor
University of Missouri
Original Message:
Sent: 26-01-2021 02:11 PM
From: Erin Cho
Subject: Introduction
Hello, everyone! I am new to the myTESOL community. I recently achieved my TEFL certification with ESP in Business English and Young Learners; I look forward to interacting with and learning from the other members. I have not yet begun EFL/ESL teaching since becoming certified, but I greatly enjoyed teaching EFL during my time at a public high school on the JET Program in Tokyo, Japan. I have also taught college Art History, Japanese language, and studio arts workshops here in the US. I love nurturing the potential of others and am passionate about opening gateways for international students to experience their own explorations abroad and advancing their careers.
All the best,
Erin
Program Manager & Cultural Exchange Facilitator
USA