TESOL GRADUATE STUDENTS AND NEW TESOL TEACHERS: GUIDE TO DEVELOP PROFESSIONALISM

BY: RIDA AFRILYASANTI

professional development

Professional development is really needed by TESOL teachers especially for those who just graduate from master TESOL or still barely new in TESOL. Professional development will make you to be competent professionals who in turn, can navigate a competitive job market. Here are things you have to do in order to develop your professionalism:

1. Develop your professional and leadership skills by joining or constructing TESOL association in which you can share and get ideas about teaching as well as be encouraged to take responsible leadership roles while practicing your skills.
2. Establish a professional resource center. Resource center will help you and your members with important information so that you can still stay abreast of professional issues. Important information that has to be available there include: TESOL information, information on job opportunities, resume file, conference proposal file, and professional development opportunities. In addition, you need to be connected with other professional associations, for instance NAFSA, AAAL
3. Get effective contact with university. It is always good to have your previous professors know and observe your performance so that they can help you with reference letter. Moreover, by still having contact with the university, there will be much more opportunities for you to gain your minimal teaching experience and implement what you have already learned in your graduate schools. What you can do is by looking for opportunities within the university community to give your service in order to add plus points on your education profession and build your credentials. You can give your service by becoming an adviser to one of the international student organizations, or assisting with international student orientation.
4. Join and be active in a professional association, such as TESOL, NAFSA. This is the important thing you can do to improve your professionalism.
5. Attend some conferences. Attending conferences accommodate you with relevant information and resources. This also gives you opportunities for networking. Furthermore, this will be must better if you can also present your ideas in the conferences. If you are still not confident to share individually, you can start with collaborative works. Start with local conferences and information that you know will be helpful for others to be employed in their classroom. Presenting in conferences can help you be a committed professional who can disseminate relevant information to others.

In short, the most important thing that you have to do is to document every professional development you have ever joined. Your commitment to professional development will make you more attractive and marketable to potential employers.

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