SIGs Bylaw
TESOL TÜRKİYE
TEACHER EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
(TEDSIG)
A. Scope
TESOL Türkiye Teacher Education and Development Special Interest Group (TEDSIG) will focus on pre-service teacher education, in-service teacher training and trainer development. Its primary objective is to contribute to the sustainable quality of teacher education, enhance in-service professional learning, and empower the professional development of English language teachers across all levels of education in Türkiye.
B. Mission Statement
The mission of TEDSIG is to support the continuous improvement of L2 English language education by promoting effective pre-service teacher education and in-service teacher training and development practices.
Values:
- Collaboration
- Inclusiveness
- Integrity
- Empowerment
- Expertise
- Lifelong learning
- Professionalism
- Reflection
- Respect
- Ethics
How:
● By sharing resources and knowledge related to teacher education and development through online platforms and in-person events
● By organizing workshops, seminars, and conferences on teacher education and development to promote effective practices
● By providing a forum for the discussion of teacher education and development issues and challenges
● By offering mentoring, coaching, and guidance to support the professional growth and development of English language teachers and trainers
● By collaborating with other TESOL Türkiye SIGs and organizations to advance the field of English language education
● By creating a community of practice that fosters collaboration, innovation, and lifelong learning among ELT teachers and trainers.
C. The Proposed Bylaw
TESOL TÜRKİYE
TEACHER EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (TEDSIG)
BYLAW
1. Purpose and Aim of TEDSIG
1.1. TEDSIG is dedicated to fostering the education and development of English language teachers in K12 and university settings across Türkiye. The primary objective of TEDSIG is to contribute to the sustainable quality of teacher education, enhance in-service professional learning, and empower the professional development of English language teachers across all levels of education in Türkiye.
1.2. The aim of TEDSIG is to support English language teachers and teacher educators in Türkiye and abroad in all aspects of professional growth and development including pre-service teacher education and in-service teacher development. Our goal is also to enable and encourage teachers to take responsibility for their own learning and development throughout their careers and to promote awareness of the importance of ongoing professional development among individuals and institutions.
In accordance with the set goals, TEDSIG shall:
1.2.1. organize workshops, seminars, training events, discussion forums, and conferences to contribute to teacher and trainer education and development in the field of ELT,
1.2.2. facilitate networking among teachers, teacher educators, and trainers through digital and face-to-face platforms,
1.2.3. participate in national and international teacher training and development events,
1.2.4. provide guidance, consultancy, mentoring, and coaching through professional development activities and training events,
1.2.5. be involved in fundraising and receive donations from domestic as well as foreign sources on condition that necessary permissions have been granted,
1.2.6. establish and operate financial, commercial, and industrial establishments so as to obtain the required income to realize the purview of this statute,
1.2.7. operate internationally, affiliate and conduct joint studies or cooperate with foreign associations/agencies,
1.2.8. on condition that it is deemed necessary and is in accordance with Law no.5072 on the provisions of the act regarding Liaisons of Associations and Endowments with State Institutions and Organizations, carry out joint projects on subjects that are within the scope of state institutions and organizations to realize the TEDSIG’s mission,
1.2.9. form platforms on areas related to the mission of the association and areas that are not prohibited by law so as to realize a joint mission with other associations, endowments, unions, and similar non-profit organizations.
2. Definitions
2.1. Words and phrases in this Bylaw shall have the following meanings:
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Bylaw
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This Bylaw dated 31 August 2023
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Coordinator
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The TEDSIG Coordinator
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Executive Committee
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The Executive Committee of TEDSIG
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Extraordinary Meeting
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An extraordinary meeting convened by the Executive Committee in accordance with the rules of TEDSIG
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General Meeting
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A general meeting of the Members to be held in person, on paper, or online, the procedures for which shall be decided by the Executive Committee and published to the Members
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Member
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Member of the TEDSIG
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Membership List
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The list of members of the TEDSIG
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TEDSIG
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TESOL Türkiye, Teacher Education and Development Special Interest Group
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TESOL Türkiye
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TESOL Türkiye Association pursuant to Law No. 5253 on Associations
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2.2. Defined terms used in this Bylaw not listed in 2.1 above shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the TESOL Türkiye Constitution and TESOL Türkiye Internal Bylaw. In the event of any conflict between defined terms in this Bylaw and the TESOL Türkiye Constitution or TESOL Türkiye Internal Bylaw, this Bylaw shall prevail.
3. Approval of TESOL Türkiye
3.1. TEDSIG is duly approved as an authorized special interest group by TESOL Türkiye. In the event of any conflict between the regulations set out in this Bylaw and the TESOL Türkiye Constitution or TESOL Türkiye Internal Bylaw, the TESOL Türkiye Constitution or TESOL Türkiye Internal Bylaw shall prevail.
4. Structure of TEDSIG
4.1. The TEDSIG shall consist of:
4.1.1. The Executive Committee;
4.1.2. The Members; and
4.1.3. Any working or research groups established in order to fulfill the purpose and aim of TEDSIG.
5. Right to Membership and Membership Procedures
5.1. Any member of TESOL Türkiye in good standing may apply for membership of TEDSIG.
5.2. The Executive Committee shall determine the procedures including the payment of membership dues for prospective members to join TEDSIG with the approval of TESOL Türkiye Board of Directors, and work in close cooperation with TESOL Türkiye’s Promotion Professional Council members responsible for TESOL Türkiye’s website to ensure that these are published on the TEDSIG webpage.
5.3. Membership dues payable to join the TEDSIG shall be determined by the Executive Committee with the approval of the TESOL Türkiye Board of Directors.
5.4. Members whose applications to join the TEDSIG are accepted shall be recorded in the Membership List.
6. Leaving Membership
6.1. Any Member may terminate their membership by notifying the Executive Committee in writing.
6.2. Termination of membership shall be deemed to have occurred upon receipt of the written notice by the Executive Committee.
6.3. Notwithstanding termination of membership by a Member pursuant to paragraph 6.1 above, any outstanding membership dues or other debts owed to TEDSIG by the Member shall remain payable.
7. Termination of Membership
7.1. The Executive Committee may terminate the membership of TEDSIG of any Member on good grounds, including but not limited to:
7.1.1. Non-payment of membership dues;
7.1.2. Acting contrary to the purpose and aims of TEDSIG;
7.1.3. Acting contrary to a legal directive of the Executive Committee; or
7.1.4. Otherwise acting in such a way as to bring the reputation of TEDSIG or TESOL Türkiye into disrepute.
7.2. In circumstances where the Executive Committee exercises its right to terminate the membership of a Member, it shall notify the Member in writing as soon as reasonably practicable, setting out the grounds for termination.
7.3. Any Member whose membership is terminated in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph may appeal in writing within 21 days of receipt of the notice referred to in 7.2 above to the TESOL Türkiye Board of Directors who shall in their absolute discretion make a final adjudication of the matter as soon as reasonably practicable. TESOL Türkiye’s Board of Directors shall have absolute discretion in establishing procedures for the hearing of any such appeals.
8. Establishment and duties of the Executive Committee
8.1. As set out in paragraph 8.11 below, the Executive Committee shall be elected by a simple majority of the Members in a General Meeting subject to approval by the TESOL Türkiye Board of Directors.
8.2. The term of office of each elected member of the Executive Committee shall be three (3) years. Following completion of an initial term of three (3) years, any member of the Executive Committee may stand for election for a second term of three (3) years. A member of the Executive Committee may not stand for further election having served two (2) terms until at least one term of three (3) years has elapsed.
8.3. In the event that only one candidate fulfills the stated criteria in the call for nominations, an election will not be necessary, and the sole candidate will be elected unopposed.
8.4. The Executive Committee shall comprise a minimum of three (3) persons and a maximum of seven (7) persons.
8.5. All members of the Executive Committee shall be members of TESOL Türkiye and Members of TEDSIG in good standing.
8.6. The Executive Committee may, where it deems it necessary, co-opt any Member onto the Executive Committee for good reason on the proviso that the said individual shall stand for election at the next General Meeting.
8.7. The Executive Committee shall meet once in two months. These meetings shall be held virtually if meeting in person is not possible.
8.8. The Executive Committee shall have a Coordinator and a Treasurer elected by a simple majority of the members of the Executive Committee. Members standing for election may also vote.
8.9. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for:
8.9.1. organizing workshops, seminars, training events, discussion forums, and conferences to contribute to teacher and trainer education and development in the field of ELT;
8.9.2. administering acceptances, resignations and terminations of Members;
8.9.3. administering the budget and presenting financial reports to the Members and to TESOL Türkiye;
8.9.4. convening and administering Extraordinary and General Meetings of Members in accordance with the procedures set out in this Bylaw, including establishing procedures for holding online meetings, paper meetings, and proxy voting; and
8.9.5. any other matters that contribute to the furtherance of the purpose and aim of TEDSIG.
8.10. Each member of the Executive Committee shall act with reasonable skill and care and in the best interests of TEDSIG. In fulfilling these duties, each member of the Executive Committee is specifically obliged to declare any potential conflicts of interest either real or perceived that may arise in their execution of their duties for TEDSIG.
8.11. For the purposes of constituting the first Executive Committee at the establishment of the TEDSIG, the founding Members shall nominate individuals to serve as members of the Executive Committee, whose appointment shall be ratified at the first General Meeting of Members held after the establishment of the TEDSIG.
9. Roles and Responsibilities
9.1. The TEDSIG Coordinator will
9.1.1. maintain contact with all the committee members to update them about TESOL Türkiye;
9.1.2. contact the TESOL Türkiye Board of Directors, and other SIG Coordinators to inform them of events and the general situation of TEDSIG;
9.1.3. monitor all the committee members’ duties and advise them on their work;
9.1.4. ensure that the TEDSIG website is updated, and the Social Media Coordinator keeps the SIG accounts up-to-date;
9.1.5. prepare an annual budget in consultation with the Treasurer and submit it to the TESOL Türkiye Board of Directors;
9.1.6. prepare an annual plan;
9.1.7. maintain regular contact between Committee members and organise a minimum of two committee meetings (virtual or face-to-face) per year;
9.1.8. send minutes of meetings to Committee members, the TESOL Türkiye Board of Directors;
9.1.9. delegate duties to other Committee members and follow up with action points and status;
9.1.10. seek marketing and publicity opportunities and deal with them proactively;
9.1.11. organize and maintain sponsorship packages for conferences and other events;
9.1.12. develop relationships with local teaching associations and TESOL Türkiye Associates and enter negotiations for potential joint events.
9.2. Treasurer will
9.2.1. manage the SIG finances in consultation with the TEDSIG Coordinator
9.2.2. prepare the annual budget
9.2.3. prepare or oversee conference and event budgets
9.2.4. oversee committee expenses (and approve expense claims)
9.3. Social Media Coordinator will
9.3.1. use social media to promote SIG activities in consultation with the TEDSIG Coordinator
9.3.2. coordinate the SIG’s social media accounts
9.3.3. update and maintain the SIG website in coordination with the Membership Coordinator and prepare flyers and slides for SIG events
9.4. Membership Coordinator will
9.4.1. oversee membership renewals in consultation with the TEDSIG Coordinator
9.4.2. liaise with TESOL Türkiye Promotion Council and Associate Network Council
9.4.3. update and maintain the SIG website in coordination with the Social Media Coordinator
9.4.4. respond to public and community inquiries and brief the TEDSIG Executive Committee on matters of interest and concern.
9.5. Events Coordinator will
9.5.1. put out a call for papers for events and put the program together in consultation with the TEDSIG Coordinator
9.5.2. set up the timetable for the event
9.5.3. design the event program
9.5.4. create a registration form and decide on pricing for the event in coordination with the Treasurer
9.5.5. liaise with TESOL Türkiye Events Planning Council in order for the event to go live on the website
9.5.6. work closely with the local organizer(s) – if any – to set up and run events
9.5.7. contact exhibitors and sponsors for events and set up sponsorship packages
9.5.8. advertise and promote the event in coordination with the Social Media Coordinator
9.5.9. create feedback forms for the event
9.5.10. get all relevant information out to members
10. Removal of members of the Executive Committee
10.1. The TESOL Türkiye Board of Directors shall have the right to remove any member of the Executive Committee for good cause.
10.2. In the event of a proposed removal pursuant to paragraph 9.1 above, the TESOL Türkiye Board of Directors shall provide written reasons to the member of the Executive Committee and allow the member to make representations in opposition to the removal.
10.3. Members may propose a motion for the removal of any member of the Executive Committee at a General or Extraordinary Meeting. Any vote to remove a member of the Executive Committee shall require a majority of two-thirds of the total number of Members.
11. Meetings & Decision-Making Procedures
11.1. TEDSIG shall hold a General Meeting annually and in any event not later than eighteen (18) months following the date of the previous General Meeting.
11.2. The Executive Committee shall notify the date of the General Meeting to the Members not less than three (3) months in advance of the meeting and include a draft agenda and motions to be put to a vote. The final agenda and list of motions to be put to a vote shall be distributed to the Members not less than two (2) weeks before the General Meeting.
11.3. Notice of any General Meeting shall also be given to TESOL Türkiye not less than one (1) month in advance of the meeting. TESOL Türkiye shall have the discretion to send an observer to any such meeting.
11.4. General Meetings may be held virtually where the Executive Committee at its sole discretion considers it reasonable to do so. Members may join meetings remotely and participate, including voting, at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
11.5. The quorum for a General Meeting shall be 50% of the total number of Members. Any General Meeting postponed by reason of there not being a quorum shall be reconvened by the Executive Committee within three (3) months of the date of the postponed meeting. In such cases, the quorum requirement shall be suspended.
11.6. Subject to paragraph 11.7 below, no matter shall be discussed or voted upon unless it appears on the agenda of the General Meeting.
11.7. A written proposal may be made to discuss and vote upon an item that does not appear on the agenda if approved by two-thirds of the Members present at the General Meeting.
11.8. The Executive Committee shall convene an Extraordinary Meeting to discuss and vote upon any matter or matters if not less than three-quarters of the total membership of TEDSIG demand it in writing.
11.9. Save as otherwise set out in this Bylaw, motions proposed at General and Extraordinary Meetings shall be voted upon in an open ballot as directed by the Executive Committee and decided by a simple majority of the Members present at the meeting. In the event of a tie, the Coordinator shall have the casting vote. The Executive Committee reserves the right to call a secret ballot for any vote at its sole discretion. In such cases the Executive Committee shall inform Members of the procedures for the conduct of the secret ballot.
11.10. Members may vote by proxy at General and Extraordinary Meetings in accordance with procedures established by the Executive Committee and published to Members prior to the respective meeting.
11.11. Minutes shall be taken of every General and Extraordinary Meeting which shall be signed by the Coordinator and distributed to Members as soon as reasonably practicable following the meeting.
12. Dissolution of TEDSIG
12.1. The Members may resolve to dissolve TEDSIG with a two-thirds majority vote at a General or Extraordinary Meeting.
12.2. In the event the Members resolve to dissolve TEDSIG, the Executive Committee shall take all necessary steps to complete the dissolution as soon as reasonably practicable.
12.3. The Executive Committee shall notify TESOL Türkiye of any such vote to dissolve TEDSIG as soon as reasonably practicable.
13. Amendments to the Bylaw
13.1. This Bylaw may be amended by a motion of not less than two-thirds of the total number of Members in a General or Extraordinary Meeting.
13.2. Any amendment to the Bylaw proposed by the Members shall be subject to ratification by the TESOL Türkiye Board of Directors.