About RITELL

RITELL (Rhode Island Teachers of English Language Learners) is a non-profit organization for ESOL and Bilingual Education professionals in Rhode Island. As the 102nd affiliate of TESOL (Teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages), the purpose of RI-TELL is to determine advocacy and professional development needs of ESOL and Bilingual Education professionals in Adult ESOL, Higher Ed, Workplace Ed, Elementary, Secondary and Low-Incidence programs serving English Language Learners in Rhode Island. The governing structure of this group is a coordinating council of volunteers from around the state who share the job of organizing regular mini conferences, maintaining contact information for all participants and maintaining a website to inform members of upcoming events, opportunities, and resources.

BRIEF HISTORY

Rhode Island Teachers of English Language Learners (RITELL) started as a Special Interest Group (SIG) of MATSOL (Massachusetts Association of Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages) in 2000. It was co-founded by RIC professor emeritus Dr. Nancy Cloud and Jane George, English as a Second Language instructor with the North Kingstown School Department who saw it through until it became an affiliate of TESOL in 2010.  While housed under MATSOL, the RI SIG had additional leadership from a number of determined volunteer Coordinating Councils. 

In 2010, RITELL officially became the official RI affiliate of TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) and TESOL's 102nd affiliate organization. The first official RITELL Coordinating Council was elected in 2010. Since its inception until today, RITELL has been housed at RIC (Rhode Island College). 

RITELL Coordinating Council