Robin Solazzo works for the Butler County Education Service Center. and provides services to improve learning for children and students. She provides services for standards, instruction, and assessment. I met Robin at a teacher in-service at Monroe Elementary, a school in Butler County, Ohio. She mentioned that she had a degree from University of Cincinnati and it was accredited by the TESOL organization. She provided, during the in-service, helpful information about the LEP programs that teachers will have students participating in. She agreed to participate in an interview that would help teachers find helpful resources through the TESOL organization.

What was your reasoning for pursuing a degree or certification in TESOL?
I had become increasingly more involved with ESL populations in Butler County in my current role at an ESC.  As a literacy supervisor, all forms of communication, with all populations, has always been a particular passion of mine.  Obtaining my TESOL endorsement seemed a natural progression for me.   Currently, I assist districts in developing their ESL programming, train teachers and assess students.  I hope to become involved with adults who are learning English.


How did you find out about the organization TESOL?
As a long time educator, I was aware of TESOL as one of our professional organizations.  I have used the site as a frequent resource.

What benefits have you found after obtaining your certification or degree?
I completed my UC coursework last year and passed my Praxis exam June, 2008.   Certainly I have added to my personal knowledge bank and feel that I am providing a better service and value to my client districts and their students.

Would you recommend the organization? And to whom?
I would enthusiastically recommend TESOL to any educator serving ESL populations.

Is there any helpful information or resources you can provide that you have come across with your experience with TESOL?
Webinars, professional development, classroom and legal resources, etc.

Is TESOL, in your opinion, the best resource for teachers who are interested in focusing more on English as a second language? Why?
There is no single best resource for teachers and administrators who serve ESL populations, but TESOL is one of my ‘must have’ websites and professional memberships.

John Segota is the Advocacy and Professional Relations Manager for Teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages, Inc. (TESOL). I found the contact email address on their website and asked if they would be interested in participating in an interview through email. I directed the questions toward the benefit of TESOL for teachers. The interview was very informative and I believe the viewers will benefit from the information provided by the organization.

What is your association with the organization TESOL?
I am the Advocacy and Professional Relations Manager for Teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages, Inc.

 What purpose was TESOL meant to serve when first created? Has it since changed?
Incorporated in 1966, Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc. (TESOL), is a global association for English language teaching professionals headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, USA. TESOL's mission is to develop and maintain professional expertise in English language teaching for speakers of other languages worldwide. While TESOL’s purpose has not changed over time, the field of TESOL has changed quite dramatically due in no small part to the tremendous growth of the English language learner population in the U.S.

 How successful has the organization been since it came about?
TESOL has been very successful in fulfilling its mission. Representing a multifaceted academic discipline and profession, TESOL offers members serial publications, books, and electronic resources on current issues, ideas, and opportunities in the field of English language teaching. TESOL also conducts a variety of workshops and symposia, including an annual convention, regarded as the foremost professional development opportunity for English language educators worldwide

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the organization for teachers?
TESOL encompasses a network of approximately 60,000 educators worldwide, consisting of more than 14,000 individual members and an additional 45,000 educators within the 100 plus TESOL affiliate associations. TESOL members work at all levels of education and with learners of all ages. By joining TESOL, members have the opportunity to engage with educators, researchers, and practitioners all around the world to learn and discuss the latest developments and trends the dynamic field of English language teaching,

Is TESOL, in your opinion, the best resource for teachers who are interested in focusing more on English as a second language? Why?

TESOL is viewed by many as the preeminent global association for English language educators. While TESOL does not provide professional preparation for teachers, it does provide many resources and guidance for perspective teachers seeking information on professional preparation.

Is there any other information you could share about the organization regarding teachers?
For those interested in pursuing professional preparation in TESOL, the Directory of Degree and Certificate Programs in TESOL, the first online resource of its kind, features approximately 450 university-level academic and training programs in English as a second language (ESL) and related fields in the United States and Canada. It can found online at http://www.tesol.org/DDCP.