What is TESOL Italy

What is TESOL Italy?

TESOL Italy (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a grassroots organization, run by teachers and for teachers. It is a non-profit Italian organization founded in 1975 by Mary Finocchiaro and Renzo Titone along with other foreign language teaching experts and pioneers. It has approximately 300 members in Italy and abroad and is an affiliate of TESOL International Association, based in Virginia, USA, with over 12,000 members worldwide.
TESOL Italy is also an associate of IATEFL, based in the UK with over 4,000 members in more than 130 countries throughout the world.

Moreover, TESOL Italy is accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) Direttiva 170/2016.

What is TESOL Italy’s mission?
Its mission is to develop the expertise of those involved in teaching English to speakers of other languages and to foster professional growth and active participation in language teaching. This includes promoting community understanding of the role of language in a progressively changing environment while respecting individual language rights.

Who does TESOL Italy collaborate with?
TESOL Italy collaborates with people and organizations involved in English Language Teaching including:
Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR)
The U.S. Embassy – Public Affairs Section
British Council
Other Professional Language Associations:
ANILS, LEND, AISPI, ADILT, etc.
The Fulbright Commission
Italian universities
Regional educational authorities

What kind of professional development activities does it offer teachers?

  • Language improvement courses
  • Pre-service and in-service training
  • Self-development opportunities
  • Training of teacher trainers
  • All-day seminars
  • After-school workshops
  • Annual National Convention
  • Local Group Activities

Why should I become a member?
Besides being able to take part in all professional development activities, members receive publications:
The Newsletter (five times a year) and the academic journal, Perspectives (twice a year). Members can also start or join a local group anywhere in Italy.

What exactly are local groups?
Local groups are made up of at least five TESOL Italy members. These groups organize and hold professional development activities in their areas. Existing groups are located in Benevento, Bologna,  Formia, L’Aquila, Marche, Marinio Laziale, Messina, Napoli, Roma, Trieste, and Val d’Adige-Etschtal.

What is the annual National Convention?
This two-day convention hosts over 60 talks, workshops and poster sessions given by national and international experts in the field of ELT. The book and educational material exhibition offers the latest in ELT materials and software, as well as information regarding study abroad programs. The convention offers a wonderful opportunity for professional development and networking. It’s a must for all EFL teachers in Italy.

How can I become a member?
All convention participants become TESOL Italy members. Membership is annual and begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st. If this is your first TESOL Italy convention, your membership dues will cover one solar year. Call our office, send us an e-mail, or look on our website. Teachers who cannot attend the convention but who would still like to become TESOL Italy members can call our office in Rome (06-4764-2432), write us an email (tesolitaly@gmail.com), or visit our website (www.tesolitaly.org) for the exact procedure.
TESOL Italy’s membership dues for the year 2020 (January to December):

€ 30 – ordinary members;

€ 20 – university students under 30;

€ 15 – subscription to English Teaching Forum (4 yearly issues);

€ __  (open donation) – supporters – (minimum €30)

€ 65 –  schools, universities, agencies (includes English Teaching Forum).

What is the Sirio di Giuliomaria Award?
This is an award that TESOL Italy confers once a year. The teacher is awarded TESOL Italy membership (including Convention dues and the subscription to the English Teaching Forum) for three years.

By joining TESOL Italy you have access to a network of other ESL/EFL educators who share your same concerns and interests.

Join today!

 Why not tell your colleagues  and school principal about TESOL Italy’s activities? Print either the description in 

English or in Italian.