The TESOL Board of Directors recently approved a new award, East Carolina University-TESOL Award, for an Outstanding Paper on NNEST Issues, for our caucus.

Background: The role of non-native English speakers in teaching of ESL/EFL has gained considerable recognition over the past decade, as seen in the establishment of the NNEST Caucus within TESOL and a respectable number of scholarly publications on the NNEST issues. TESOL, through the statement on non-native speakers of English and hiring practices (October 1991) and the approval of the NNEST Caucus, has contributed significantly to raise awareness of the professional needs, struggles (e.g., discrimination in hiring), and strengths that these teachers bring to the field of TESOL. However, there is currently no TESOL award that recognizes teachers and researchers who work toward the better understanding of NNEST and opportunities for professionalization for NNESTs at various educational and professional stages. The English Department of East Carolina University proposes this award in order to support teachers and researchers "both native and nonnative speakers of English" who contribute to the scholarship of NNEST issues.

Who's Eligible: TESOL members who have had a proposal accepted for presentation (paper or colloquium) on NNEST issues at the 39th Annual TESOL Convention in 2004. Both native and nonnative speakers of English may apply.

Purpose: To recognize scholarship on NNEST issues.

Amount: One award will be given in the form of US$250, donated by East Carolina University, and a free registration to the TESOL Convention to be donated by TESOL, Inc.

Criteria: Eligible proposals are evaluated according to (a) the significance of the topic as it relates to the NNEST research, (b) the contribution to the field of TESL/TEFL, (c) originality and creativity in concept, and (d) relevance and broad impact.

To Apply: Applicants will submit their proposals through the TESOL call for participation. Using the check-off box provided on the proposal form, applicants must indicate their desire to be considered for this award.

Due Date: The application deadline is the same as the call for participation for TESOL 2004.

Notes:

1. This award cannot be accepted twice by the same person.
2. NNEST Caucus Chair and a member of the TESL/Linguistics program at Eastern Carolina University will participate in the adjudication process.
3. The award will be given for a 10-year period with option to renew in 10 years.