Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESL-NB)

About TESL-NB

Who We Are

TESL NB

• is an association which concerns itself with methods of teaching English as a Second Language within New Brunswick. New members are welcome. Regular meetings, a provincial newsletter and the TESL Canada Journal assist in the sharing of ideas and concerns.
• maintains links with partner associations throughout Canada as well as TESL CANADA, the national parent organization, which links the various provincial bodies.
• supports public policies and programs promoting second language teaching, increases knowledge of the needs of ESL learners and teachers.
• fosters research, professional development and standardization among teachers, school administrators and others involved in second language acquisition within New Brunswick.

TESL New Brunswick Association Constitution

1. Objectives of the Association

1. 1.1 This organization is to be an association concerned with the teaching and learning of English as a Second Language in New Brunswick, and is to be referred to in short as TESL New Brunswick. In long form, it shall be referred to as Teaching English as a Second Language in New Brunswick. It shall be governed by the following objectives:
2. 1.2 To promote communication among New Brunswick individuals involved or interested in ESL teaching and learning, and with TESL Canada, the national organization which coordinates the various provincial and other bodies.
3. 1.3 To encourage and support the promotion of policies and programs related to English second language learning and teaching.
4. 1.4 To foster ESL scholarship, research, and professional development in New Brunswick among teachers, school administrators and others involved in the provision of ESL programs.
5. 1.5 To lobby appropriate agencies and to promote publicity for ESL programs, funding and teacher accreditation.
6. 1.6 To coordinate the dissemination of information in fields related to ESL learning and teaching.
7. 1.7 To allow for representation at the national level.
8. 1.8 To promote public awareness of ESL and multicultural issues in order to foster intercultural understanding.

2. Membership Eligibility

1. 2.1 Membership applications shall be accepted from individuals or institutions actively involved in or interested in the teaching of English as a Second Language.

3. Fees

1. 3.1 Each member shall pay into the Association Treasury an annual membership fee, the fee to be determined by the Executive of the Association.

4. Executive Officers

1. 4.1 The Executive Officers of the Association shall be:
   1. President
   2. Past President
   3. Recording and Corresponding Secretary
   4. Membership Secretary/Treasurer
   5. At least one Member at Large

5. Terms of Office

1. 5.1 The terms of all officers and members of the Executive Committees shall be one year in office with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
2. 5.2 In the event of an Executive Officer, other than the President, being unable to fulfil his/her term of office, the members of the executive may appoint a replacement until an election can be held at the next general meeting of the association.

6. The Executive Committees

1. 6.1 The Executive Committee shall direct the business of the Association.
2. 6.2 A quorum of the Executive Committee shall be a majority of the said committee.
3. 6.3 The Recording and Corresponding Secretary may on his/her own initiative, or at the request of the Executive Committee, ask the Executive Committee to vote upon specific questions by mail or telephone, and if a majority of the Executive shall vote by mail or telephone for/against any measure thus submitted, that vote shall be decisive.
4. 6.4 The Executive Committee shall have the authority to appoint Chairpersons of Special Committees, and to outline the terms of reference of these committees.
5. 6.5 The Executive Committee, on behalf of the Association, may invite individuals to act on Advisory Councils.

7. Duties of Officers and Executive Committee Members

1. 7.1 President
   The President shall be the presiding officer of the Association, the Chairperson of the Executive Committee, and a member, ex-officio, of all Committees appointed by the Executive of the Association. The President shall have general supervision of all matters and affairs of the Association. The President, at the conclusion of his/her term of office, automatically assumes the position of Past-President. The President shall be the representative to TESL Canada unless he/she designates another executive member for that term.
2. 7.2 Past President
   The Past-President shall be a member of the Executive Committee of the Association, and shall generally assist and advise the President.
3. 7.3 Recording and Corresponding Secretary
   The Recording and Corresponding Secretary shall have charge of all archives of the Association, shall prepare or cause to be prepared and preserved a record of all meetings of the Association and the Executive Committee. The Recording and Corresponding Secretary shall write and sign general correspondence in the name of the Association when authorized to do so by the Executive Committee.
4. 7.4 Membership Secretary/Treasurer
   The Membership Secretary/Treasurer shall process memberships, keep appropriate records, and manage the membership-related activities of the Association. He/she shall have the care and custody of all monies of the Association, and shall deposit the same in such bank as shall be designated by the Executive Committee. The Membership Secretary/Treasurer shall keep, or cause to be kept, a proper set of books of account of the Association, and shall exhibit the same to the Executive Committee when required. The Executive Committee shall annually appoint an independent auditor and the Treasurer shall cooperate with said auditor to prepare and submit at the Annual General Meeting an audited report of the financial position of the Association.
5. 7.5 Members at Large
   The Members at large shall be responsible for carrying out special assignments as called upon by the Executive Committee as determined by the needs of the Association for that current year. He/she may be called upon to act for any Executive Officer in the event of that officer's absence or inability to fulfil his/her term of office. The Members at Large shall assume that position until the next Annual General Meeting of the Association, when elections shall be held.
6. 7.6 Signing Officers
   The Signing Officers of the Associations shall be the Membership Secretary/Treasurer, the President, and the Recording and Corresponding Secretary of the Association. All cheques drawn on the funds of the Association must be signed by any two of the three signing officers.

8. Meetings of the Association

1. 8.1 There shall be an Annual General Meeting of the Association.
2. 8.2 A quorum for a General Meeting of the Association shall consist of five (5) members in good standing.
3. 8.3 The time and place of an Annual General Meeting shall be decided by the Executive Committee.

9. Amending the Constitution

1. 9.1 The Constitution of the Association shall not be altered, amended or added to except by special resolution. Notice of such special resolution shall be given in writing at least two weeks before a General Meeting. Such an amendment shall be passed by not less than one-half of the membership. Members may vote in person or by proxy.

10. Elections

1. 10.1 The officers of the Executive Committee of the Association shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
2. 10.2 A Nominating Committee shall be formed consisting of the President of the Association plus two (2) members approved by the Executive Committee of the Association.
3. 10.3 The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of candidates at the Annual General Meeting of the Association.
4. 10.4 Nominations shall also be accepted from the floor.

11. Funding

1. 11.1 The Executive Committee shall be empowered to collect funds through membership fees, and to approach appropriate bodies for additional funding.

12. Parliamentary Authority

1. 12.1 Roberts Rules of Order shall be used.

13. Miscellaneous

1. 13.1 The Association's office, to which all communications and notices may be sent, shall be the address of the President.
2. 13.2 Chapter Associations, affiliated with and abiding by the constitution of TESL New Brunswick, may be created at the request of ten or more members in other provincial localities, and with the recognition of the TESL New Brunswick association. The chapter will liaise with the TESL N.B. President.