Listening, Learning, and Looking Ahead: How Member Feedback Is Shaping the Future of TESOL Membership

At TESOL, our members are at the heart of everything we do. That's why, in 2025, TESOL undertook a comprehensive review of our membership structure and value proposition to better understand how we can serve English language teaching (ELT) professionals around the world.

More than a membership study, this effort was an opportunity to listen carefully to our community and identify ways to strengthen TESOL for the future.

The findings revealed both challenges and opportunities that are already helping shape important changes designed to make TESOL more accessible, engaging, and responsive to member needs.

What Changes Are Coming?

Based on these findings, TESOL has begun implementing several initiatives designed to strengthen the member experience.

A New Membership Structure and Dues Model

Beginning 1 July, TESOL will introduce a new membership structure and dues model designed to better reflect the realities of today's global English language teaching profession.

The updated structure aims to make membership more accessible and equitable while ensuring that educators at different career stages and in different economic contexts can continue to benefit from TESOL membership.

Additional details about membership categories and dues rates will be shared in the coming weeks.

Greater Focus on Welcoming and Supporting New Members

TESOL is exploring new ways to help members build connections and discover opportunities early in their membership journey.

Research consistently shows that members who quickly find community and become engaged are more likely to participate. Future initiatives will focus on helping members navigate benefits, connect with peers, and identify meaningful ways to get involved.

Strengthening Community Engagement

Members have told us they value professional community. As a result, TESOL will continue investing in opportunities for members to connect through myTESOL, Communities of Practice, volunteer opportunities, and member-driven discussions.

The goal is to make it easier for members to build professional relationships, share expertise, and learn from colleagues around the world.

Improving Member Communications

The survey revealed that many members are unaware of benefits and programs already available to them.

To help members get more value from their membership, TESOL is reviewing communication and subscription practices to ensure members receive timely information about resources, professional development opportunities, events, and member benefits while maintaining clear options for managing communication preferences.

More Relevant Programming and Resources

TESOL is also using survey findings to guide future professional learning, resources, advocacy efforts, and communications.

By better understanding the concerns facing different member groups, TESOL can develop programming that is more relevant, practical, and responsive to the realities of the profession.

How We Listened and What We Heard

Working with a steering committee made up of TESOL leaders, staff, and volunteer members gathered quantitative and qualitative feedback, reviewed existing data, and conducted an environmental scan of the profession. In Summer 2025, 1,886 individuals shared their perspectives through a global survey. Participants included current TESOL members, former members, and professionals who have never been TESOL members, providing a broad view of the profession. 

Environmental Scan

We started the survey with seeking a better understanding of the state of the English language teaching field as a whole. Below are the questions and results related to the most pressing issues ELT professionals are facing.

Figure 1. Percentage of participants selecting each issue in response to the question “Which of these issues around evolving learner needs will have a significant impact on English language education over the next three years? Select up to three (3).”

Figure 2. Percentage of participants selecting each issue in response to the question “Which of these political issues will have a significant impact on English language education over the next three years? Select up to three (3).”

Figure 3. Percentage of participants selecting each issue in response to the question “Which of these technology issues will have a significant impact on English language education over the next three years? Select up to three (3).”

Figure 4. Percentage of participants selecting each issue in response to the question “Which of these structural gaps will have a significant impact on English language education over the next three years? Select up to three (3).”

Figure 5. Percentage of participants selecting each issue in response to the question “Which of the following areas do you plan to focus on at work in the next three years? Choose up to four (4).”

Assessing TESOL International Association's Role

Next, we asked questions to assess TESOL International Association's programming, benefits, and role in the respondents' careers. We asked about employer contributions towards membership and professional development costs, what kept nonmembers from joining TESOL, and what their sentiment was of TESOL.

Figure 6. Percentage of participants selecting in response to the question "To what extent do you agree with each of the following statements regarding"

What We Learned

The research confirmed that TESOL continues to be highly valued as a global professional home for English language educators. Members consistently described TESOL as a trusted leader in the field and a source of professional community and belonging.

At the same time, the data highlighted several areas where change is needed.

Affordability Matters

One of the clearest findings was that cost can be a barrier to participation for many educators.

Survey results showed that:

• 61% of respondents reported annual incomes below US$50,000.
• In several regions of the world, more than half of respondents reported annual incomes below US$12,000.
• Members indicated that current dues rates were above their preferred price point.

These findings reinforced the need to reexamine our membership structure and ensure that TESOL remains accessible to educators at different stages of their careers and in different parts of the world.

New Members Need Stronger Connections

The survey revealed that among current TESOL members, nearly 80% reported having been members for fewer than six years. Research from the association sector shows that organizations with intentional new-member engagement programs achieve significantly higher satisfaction and retention rates.

The data suggests that when members become involved, whether through communities, volunteer opportunities, events, or professional learning, they are more likely to remain active members and contributors to the profession.

Community Is One of Our Greatest Strengths

Members consistently cited professional community and belonging as major reasons for renewing their membership.

However, many members reported engaging with TESOL only a few times per year, suggesting opportunities to increase awareness and participation in online communities, Communities of Practice, and the TESOL Resource Center.

The findings suggest that members want meaningful opportunities to connect with peers, build professional networks, and collaborate throughout the year.

Different Members Have Different Needs

The survey also highlighted significant differences in the challenges faced by members based on their career stage, professional setting, and geographic region.

For example:

• Experienced educators identified integrating technology into instruction as a major concern.
• Newer professionals and students expressed concerns related to assessment and instructional demands.
• K–12 educators, higher education professionals, teacher trainers, and instructors each reported different priorities.
• Political and funding concerns varied considerably by region.

These findings reinforce the importance of providing targeted resources, programming, and communications that address the diverse needs of TESOL's global membership.

Thank You for Shaping TESOL's Future

The membership review made one thing clear: TESOL's greatest strength is its members.

Your feedback is helping us build a stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable association. One that better reflects the needs of English language teaching professionals today and in the years ahead.

We are excited to share more details about these initiatives in the coming months.

Thank you for being part of the TESOL community and for helping shape its future.