Statement of Purpose

IBPFT exists to promote and enhance the professional growth and development of TESOL members of color, by providing a forum for the discussion of pertinent issues. It seeks to ensure that TESOL increasingly builds and maintains an organization that reflects the diversity of its members worldwide, and that takes measures to actively promote, support, and value the interests and contributions of the professionals of color among its ranks. The Caucus is inclusive in nature and welcomes the participation of all who are interested in issues affecting students and teachers of color worldwide.

IBPFT Goals

  • Provide a forum for networking among TESOL professionals of color.
  • Increase and diversify TESOL’s membership and professional development activities.
  • Oppose discriminatory hiring practices and stereotypes or negative images of people of color worldwide.
  • Advocate for more racially and culturally diverse contributions to, and representation in, ESOL textbooks, materials, and literature.
  • Encourage research, publications, and convention proposals on issues related to varieties of English in their distinctive cultural, sociolinguistic, and educational contexts.
  • Promote the role of people of color in TESOL through building bridges between IBPFT and other TESOL membership entities and through mentoring and preparation for leadership positions in the association and its affiliates.

TESOL Diversity Policy

"Be it resolved that TESOL take a strong advocacy position against discrimination that affects the "employment and professional lives of the TESOL membership" (TESOL Forward Plan, revised 1999) on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, language background, disability, medical/health condition, including AIDS and/or HIV status, age, religion, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation."

TESOL anti-discrimination statement amended October 2001.