Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join?

Membership is open to anyone involved in the English Language Teaching industry and our members include teachers, lecturers, teacher trainers, academic managers, researchers and institutions.

Read more on Join IATEFL page.

What happens at the Annual Conference?

This is the most important event in the association's calendar and takes place each year in March or April somewhere in the British Isles. It is attended by around 1,400 delegates each year and includes plenary sessions by eminent practitioners, a large number of workshops, talks and round tables given by other speakers, an ELT Resources Exhibition and Pre-Conference Events organised by Special Interest Groups.

Read more about Conferences.

What are SIGs?

Members can join any number of the fourteen Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and through them take an active part in the association. SIGs bring out their own publications, hold events and, as part of the Annual Conference, organise Pre-Conference Events (PCEs) and a SIG Programme, which includes their Open Forum.

Read more about Special Interest Groups.

What links does IATEFL have with other teacher associations?

IATEFL has associate agreements with other teachers' associations throughout the world. Among other things, both parties agree to exchange newsletters and to find a speaker to attend each other's conference at least once every three years.

Read more about Associates.

How does IATEFL help less economically advantaged teachers to participate in the association?

Firstly, through a number of scholarships that help teachers attend the Annual Conference. Secondly, through the Wider Membership Scheme (WMS), which allows teachers from specific associates to obtain basic membership at a special rate.

See also: 

• Scholarships
• Wider Membership Scheme

Where is the IATEFL office?

It is based in at the University of Kent in Canterbury and is managed by the salaried Executive Officer of the association. Other office staff include the Conference Organiser, the Finance Officer, the General and SIG Administrator, the Membership Secretary and the General Assistant.

Click here for IATEFL contact details.