Dear TIRF Supporters & Trustees, I recently had the opportunity to interview 2015 TIRF DDG Awardee, Prof. Yueting “Tracey” Xu, and I am pleased to share highlights from our conversation in this month’s Chair’s Report. Reflecting on her journey—from early-career researcher to professor at South China Normal University—I was encouraged
Editor’s note: This piece is written by Cristina Rodriguez, Secretary of EALTA, who works for the regional government, Xunta de Galicia, in Spain. EALTA (European Association for Language Testing and Assessment) is hosting its 22nd annual conference from June 9-14, 2026 at the University for Foreigners of Siena in Italy. The
Editor’s note: This piece is authored by Mwanaidy Mwacha, Communications Coordinator at Africa ELTA. Africa ELTA is pleased to announce its upcoming annual conference, which will take place from May 29–31, 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, hosted in collaboration with Zetech University. This event will bring together English language teaching professionals,
The proposal window is now open for the TIRF Kathleen M. Bailey Teacher-Research Award (i.e., TIRF Bailey Award). This program supports English language teachers in conducting research that advances understanding of teaching and learning. To be eligible for the TIRF Bailey Award, applicants must be practicing teachers of English as
The application window for TIRF’s 2026 Doctoral Dissertation Grants (DDG) program is now open. The Foundation’s flagship program is designed to provide awards for doctoral students nearing the completion of their studies. There are two different types of DDGs offered from TIRF and its partners this year. Once again, we
Dear TIRF Supporters & Trustees, As we enter the Year of the Fire Horse, we are reminded that this is a cycle defined not simply by movement, but by purposeful movement. The Horse symbolizes strength, endurance, independence, and forward drive; the Fire element adds intensity, visibility, and transformative energy. Together,
We are pleased to highlight that the 2026 IATEFL International Conference and Exhibition is being hosted April 20–24, 2026, in Brighton, United Kingdom. Organized by the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL), the annual conference brings together English language teaching professionals from around the world
Editor’s note: This piece is based on an announcement distributed by the International Language Testing Association (ILTA). In a message sent earlier this month, the International Language Testing Association (ILTA) announced that Dr. Barry O’Sullivan has been honored with the 2025 Cambridge/ILTA Distinguished Achievement Award. Given annually, this important award
Just last month, TIRF announced Dr. Scott E. Grapin and Ms. Eunae Kim as the co-recipients of the 2026 TIRF James E. Alatis Prize for Research on Language Planning and Policy in Educational Contexts. Their article is entitled “District Supervisors’ Sensemaking and Implementation of English Language Development Standards: WIDA 2020
Earlier this month, TIRF hosted two, one-hour mentoring webinars led by its current Doctoral Dissertation Grant (DDG) Fellows. The sessions were designed for doctoral students looking for practical advice on navigating the TIRF DDG application process. Across the webinars, TIRF’s DDG Fellows discussed topics such as refining research questions, managing
We are pleased to announce the opening of TIRF’s 2026 Kathleen M. Bailey Teacher-Research Award (hereafter, the “TIRF Bailey Award”). Recipients of the TIRF Bailey Award will receive $1,000 and will have an opportunity to receive mentoring services from the Foundation. The TIRF Bailey Award is meant to recognize Dr.
The 2026 TESOL Convention & Expo is arriving next month! In this piece, we highlight our activities at the upcoming convention taking place in Salt Lake City, USA. TIRF will host its spring Board meeting on Tuesday, March 24th. The TIRF Board meetings brings together the majority of Trustees in
We are pleased to announce the co-recipients of the 2026 TIRF James E. Alatis Prize for Research on Language Planning and Policy in Educational Contexts. Dr. Scott E. Grapin and Ms. Eunae Kim have been selected as this year’s recipients of TIRF’s Alatis Prize. Their article is entitled “District Supervisors’
Dear TIRF Supporters, As many of you know, my day job is serving as a university president. I am constantly mindful of the mounting challenges facing higher education and the uncertain future of universities. Traditional notions of excellence are increasingly shaped—and constrained—by global rankings, while relentless pressure for research productivity
We are pleased to share key details for two major events in 2026 that bring our field together for research, practice, and professional growth. TESOL 2026 International Convention & Expo AAAL 2026 Annual Conference Whether you are presenting research, strengthening connections, or gaining fresh insights, both gatherings offer dynamic opportunities
