The two webpage images above come from the world's two major ELT associations: IATEFL and TESOL Inc. As you may be very well aware, the first stands for International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language, while the second stands for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages.
These are the two heavyweights - the big boys on the scene of English Language Teaching in a global sense. They both proudly claim this, too - with IATEFL's main site singing "Linking, developing and supporting English Language Teachers worldwide" and TESOL proudly laying claim to being "A Global Education Association."
So, are they both in fact genuinely global and international in perspective, discussion, development nad action? What's your opinion?
Or would it be more realistic to start calling them EATEFL (European Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language) and TESOLA (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages in the Americas) and concentrate on the positive ways they can network and share with other parts of the world where English is being taught - rather than alluding to the idea that they cater to all English teachers in all parts of the world equally?
If they are truly global and international, let's hear about it, and help spread the word so more teachers outside their traditional spheres of influence can benefit from them, too!
:-)
