Although TIRF plans scheduled during the TESOL Convention were cancelled in late March and early April due to COVID-19, the Foundation found alternative methods to continue with its business. Like so many organizations around the world, TIRF safely practiced distancing measures and relied on technology to host its Board meeting,

Editor’s note: Earlier this month, the Foundation published the second installment in the TIRF Language Education in Review (LEiR) series, which is co-produced by TIRF and Laureate Languages. In this piece, TIRF Trustee Andy Curtis provides some background information about the paper and the rationale for producing it. A recent

TIRF is establishing a new column in its newsletter – TIRF Today – that will provide periodic updates about its grantees. In an effort to help our supporters put a face to the organization, “Grantee Corner” will feature brief news from its current grantees (those who are yet to graduate)

ETS has announced the TOEFL® Committee of Examiners (COE) 2021 Research Grant Programs. Full details about the three grant programs are available using the links below. TOEFL COE Research Program https://www.ets.org/toefl/grants/coe_research_program TOEFL COE research grants are intended to support research on topics related to the TOEFL iBT® test and the

The deadline for TIRF’s 2020 Doctoral Dissertation Grants (DDG) competition is just around the corner. Please share this news with individuals you know who may be interested in applying for a grant from TIRF. Along with our long-standing partners (Cambridge Assessment English, the British Council, and ETS) the Foundation is

TIRF’s 2020 Masters Research Grants (MRG) program is being postponed until at least 2021. The reason for this change is because of COVID-19, which is forcing many organizations around the world to make difficult decisions. TIRF is certainly feeling the effects of the pandemic our global community is facing. Our hope is

Basketball fans will recognize the phrase “March Madness” as a reference to the annual NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament. It consists of 68 teams playing for the championship. According to Dictionary.com, this phrase has been used to refer to basketball since 1908. Apparently, it was used then regarding a

The second offering of TIRF’s Masters Research Grants (MRG) program is now open. In 2020, the Foundation will consider research proposals from students enrolled in masters programs at universities in Chinese-speaking contexts, including individuals living in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. There are two levels of MRGs that

TIRF’s 2020 Doctoral Dissertation Grants (DDG) competition is underway. The Foundation’s flagship program is designed to provide awards for doctoral students nearing the completion of their studies. Along with our long-standing partners (Cambridge Assessment English and the British Council) the Foundation is offering DDGs in the amount of up to

The second offering of TIRF’s Masters Research Grants (MRG) program is now open. In 2020, the Foundation will consider research proposals from students enrolled in masters programs at universities in Chinese-speaking contexts, including individuals living in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. There are two levels of MRGs that

Editor’s note: The following piece was written by Katie Stenz, WIDA Marketing Specialist. WIDA is an organization within the University of Wisconsin–Madison that works to advance academic language development and academic achievement for culturally and linguistically diverse children and youth. WIDA specializes in high-quality standards, assessments, research and professional learning

The TESOL 2020 International Convention and English Language Expo will be held in Denver, Colorado, USA from March 31st to April 3rd. If you will be in attendance, please consider joining TIRF for its session! TIRF’s session, entitled “Professional Initiatives from TIRF: Visions for the Next 20 Years,” will be

Editor’s note: In this piece, TIRF Trustee Michael Carrier provides an account of his latest consulting work in two African countries and shares his thoughts on how such nations may be able to better meet their English language education needs. It is a privilege to meet ELT professionals in other

I am left-handed. I always have been. When I was a child first learning to write, I scrawled my name on the back of the little bureau in the bedroom. My printing was a perfect mirror image: my whole name reading from right to left and all the letters reversed.