The Best Choice: Bringing Knowledge

     To the job of KOTESOL First Vice-President, I offer dedication, experience, and vision, in addition to knowledge. Here I will expand on that knowledge and insight which I will bring to the office in the areas of (a) KOTESOL affairs, (b) Korea's ELT circles, and (c) the field of TEFL as a whole.

Of KOTESOL Affairs
     During my 19 years of KOTESOL membership, I have been quite active at the National level for 14 years, especially in the areas of publishing, conference preparations, research, membership, and financial affairs. In the position of Treasurer, I have worked closely with numerous presidents, consulting on all areas of KOTESOL. Through these activities over an extended period of time, I am able to bring a deep and broad store of institutional knowledge to the 1VP position.

Of Chapter Affairs
     Likewise, my years of Chapter executive participation gives me a knowledge of the needs of a smaller chapter, which ours was when I became President, and the needs of a larger one, which ours has grown to during my presidency. Such knowledge is most valuable, as the 1VP is the "supervisor of the Chapters."

Of Korean ELT Circles
     My knowledge of other English language teaching (ELT) associations in Korea comes from my membership in about a dozen associations over the years (most of them current memberships) and active participation in them. I present at many of their conferences and have served on the boards of directors of KATE (2 yrs.), GETA (4 yrs.), and Asia TEFL (9 yrs.; internationally based but strongly Korea-influenced) and on their conference committees. Through these activities, I have formed associations with their presidents and officers, and with key figures in our field.
 
Of TEFL
     My knowledge of TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) covers more than 20 years, although my experience in the field is even longer. My graduate training (masters and doctorate) was in the closely related field of English linguistics, this was followed by a keen interest in TEFL research. During that time I have received post-graduate certificates in TESL (general, advanced, TEYL). I have done research in a wide variety of areas of TEFL, written papers on this research and presented the results at numerous conferences in Korea as well as internationally.

     This capsulizes my knowledge of KOTESOL, the Korean ELT scene, and the field of TESOL. It is strong in both breadth and depth, and I think that it shows that, with this reservoir of knowledge, I am best prepared for the job of KOTESOL First Vice-President.