Routledge TESOL Career Path Development: Creating Professional Success

This book addresses a wide range of issues and obstacles that teachers in native and non-native English-speaking countries face in teaching English language learners of all ages, at all levels of proficiency, and in a variety of program settings. The book introduces a model of milestones for career path development specific to the specialized needs and skills of the TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) community that caters to the many unique challenges faced by teachers at a range of experience levels, from preservice and novice teachers to veteran and semi-retired professionals. Taking an interdisciplinary approach and drawing on the voices and experiences of TESOL scholars, England demonstrates how best to apply one’s education, background, and experiences to individuals who work in the field of TESOL, and offers unique tools, strategies, and training techniques. This book provides a clear and engaging framework for scholars and teachers at any stage in one’s career to grow and develop professionally in fast-changing and increasingly complex professional climates. This book is ideal for scholars, graduate students, and researchers in TESOL and language teaching, as well as scholars and researchers in international teacher development and language. Review "Liz England’s TESOL CAREER PATH DEVELOPMENT: CREATING PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS is a volume that is very much needed and long awaited in the field of TESOL. Combining stories and research with her 35+ years of teaching experiences both in the US and abroad, the author helps teachers at all stages of their careers get answers to commonly and less commonly held questions, provides guidance on a plethora of career-related issues and helps allay fears that might have manifested themselves in our career path choices. This succinctly and engagingly written volume begins with an introduction of the current status of career path development in TESOL and moves into the presentation of the author’s theoretical framework on the topic based on the literature and her work with literally thousands of language educators worldwide. Other important topics covered in this volume include the importance and content of our teacher education programs and how they relate to career path choice and development, how our motivation sustains our career and career choices, the significance of work life balance and our transitions from one career milestone to the next. The final two chapters of the volume are particularly relevant and important as they guide us on how to move forward in our TESOL career path development through not only teaching but also through research and service to the profession. In my own 30+ year teaching career in TESOL, I can’t remember being as excited about a new book as much as I am about this one and look forward to adding it to my professional library." Christine Coombe, Ph. D., Associate Professor, Dubai Men’s College, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and TESOL International Association President (2011-2012). "When I reflect on my ten-year TESOL career, I hear myself describing my path in fits and starts: I dove in head first. We flew the plane as we built it. I learned from scraped knees. Though ultimately successful, I was constantly relying on sheer determination and the wisdom of personal mentors to react to problems rather than proactively avoiding them. I didn’t know how to articulate or advocate for the resources and time needed to do the job done right from the start. This book is born from experiences just like mine. You will read stories from TESOL professionals that will have you nodding along in knowing agreement. But more than an empathetic voice, England provides real ways for TESOLers to take control of their paths and position themselves to make the most of their talents. This book succeeds in empowering the individual, but its compound impact will undoubtedly raise the professionalism of the entire TESOL field." Jac