PYELT
Abstract
Being a teaching professional is not simply about having the proper teaching credentials and being in good academic standing. It involves a commitment to being innovative and transformative in the classroom and helping students and colleagues achieve their goals. In this plenary session, the presenter will review the literature on professionalism and present definitions of what it means to be a professional. Other content to be covered includes the myths associated with professionalism and the challenges ELT educators face when being professional. General and field-specific strategies for improving one's professionalism will also be shared.
Bio-note
Christine Coombe has a PhD in Foreign/Second Language Education from The Ohio State University and is an Associate Professor of General Studies at Dubai Men's College, Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE. Christine has co-authored/edited 54 volumes on assessment/testing, research, teacher effectiveness, leadership and task-based teaching and learning. Her most recent volumes are Professionalizing Your English Language Teaching (2020), Policy Development in TESOL and Multilingualism (2021), Challenges in English Language Testing Worldwide (2021) and The Assessment of L2 Written English across the MENA Region (2021). Dr Coombe served as TESOL International Association President (2011-2012) and as a member of the Board of Directors (2005-2007; 2010-2013). Christine received the British Council's International Assessment Award for 2013. Her most recent honors were being named to TESOL's 50@50, which "recognizes professionals who have made significant contributions to the TESOL profession within the past 50 years." In 2018 she received the Alatis Award for exemplary service to TESOL. Most recently, she was named to the US Department of State's 30@30 list, which recognizes the top 30 English Language Specialists over the past 30 years.