By joining TESOL, purchasing from TESOL, creating a TESOL account, attending a TESOL-organized or -sponsored event, or by using or posting on a TESOL social media platform or community, you are agreeing to abide by this Code.
At TESOL International Association we commit to being a welcoming and inclusive global community.
As members, customers, vendors, participants, contributors, exhibitors, volunteers, and guests, we make the following commitments:
- Welcome everyone.
- Respect individual differences.
- Be a lifelong learner.
- Engage in constructive dialogue.
- Use positive and supportive language.
Code of Conduct
The TESOL International Association (TESOL) Code of Conduct (the “Code”) provides general guidelines for conduct by TESOL members, customers, media representatives, volunteers, organizers, vendors, exhibitor representatives, guests, TESOL staff, and participants of a TESOL event or program, and those interacting on or contributing to a TESOL platform or channel, to include those social media channels associated with TESOL and any of its constituencies and communities (collectively referred to as “TESOLers”). This Code governs behavior during any TESOL event, course, meeting, and social activity, regardless of the format or location, and includes periods conducting volunteer work on behalf of TESOL; participating in TESOL peer-mentoring relationships; and interacting with TESOL staff, contractors, and TESOL-contracted facility staff. It includes all TESOL online spaces, including (but not limited to) social media accounts, community platforms, boards, and virtual events.
Though the Code establishes guidelines for the conduct of TESOLers, it cannot foresee all circumstances that may arise. Nevertheless, each TESOLer shares the responsibility of ensuring that individual and collective conduct is appropriate.
- Embrace the mission and values of TESOL and TESOL’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
- Uphold the reputation of the profession through respectful actions and behavior.
- Encourage and support colleagues in their professional development and advocacy efforts.
- Act with integrity and respect toward their colleagues and fellow members.
- Behave in a courteous and professional manner.
- Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.
- Make every effort to understand different points of view and cultures to build an inclusive community.
- Respect the rules, policies, and property of TESOL and its facilities and vendors.
- Act in a spirit of collaboration, not competition, with fellow members and colleagues.
- Correct personal mistakes as soon as they are identified.
- Engage in respectful and professional dialogue.
- Engage in any form of discrimination based on age, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or lack thereof, language background or proficiency, physical ability, political beliefs, culture, or appearance. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Use TESOL platforms to promote commercial products.
- Behave, speak, or post in a demeaning, discriminatory, bullying, or harassing manner.
- Personally attack, abuse, invade, defame, harass, or threaten another.
- Spread rumors, lies, or misinformation.
- Knowingly be a party to the dissemination of false or misleading information through any medium, including (but not limited to) conference presentations, workshops, blogs, articles, webinars, presentations, social media posts, and emails.
- Engage in conduct that will damage the association’s reputation or degrade the English language teaching profession.
- Speak on behalf of, or claim to represent, TESOL without the consent of the executive director or executive committee.
If you believe you are being subjected to inappropriate conduct, believe someone else is being subjected to inappropriate conduct, or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact TESOL.
TESOL created this reporting form for people seeking information, guidance, or a safe place to report and discuss their concerns about conduct at an event or on a platform hosted by TESOL. To report a violation of this Code, please complete this form with as many details as you can.
If, during an in-person event, you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if you see something suspicious or would like to report a security issue or emergency, please contact local law enforcement or venue security.
Violations of the Code are taken seriously and reported transgressions will be thoroughly investigated by TESOL leadership. All TESOL representatives involved in a case are required to maintain confidentiality in regard to any materials submitted or received in connection with any reported violation. Although TESOL will make reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality of its investigation and relevant materials, it cannot assure confidentiality as disclosure may be made in case-related materials or information in response to a legal process, when already publicly known, or when leadership otherwise determines disclosure is in the best interests of the parties.
Responses to infractions will be determined by the leadership investigating the incident and are the sole decision of the investigating team. Consequences may take a variety of forms, ranging from a conversation sharing how the infraction was interpreted by others up to and including dismissal or expulsion.