Professional+Organizations

**Name:** Center for Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA)
 * Professional Organizations Relevant to Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language**


 * URL:** []


 * Description:** CAELA was created to help states build their capacity to promote English language learning and academic achievement of adults learning English. Funded by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), U.S. Department of Education, CAELA accomplishes its mission through the following tasks:


 * Leading an initiative to build state capacity for improving the skills of teachers and administrators in adult ESL programs


 * Developing an easy-to-use repository of resources (e.g., research studies, instructional curricula, information on language acquisition) that are accessible through the CAELA Web site


 * Producing easily accessible materials that synthesize research and make applications to practice


 * Developing a toolkit of training materials for professional developers


 * Providing technical assistance to adult ESL teachers, programs, and states


 * Reason Featured:** For anyone who works with adult English language learners in a state-sponsored adult education program, CAELA is indispensible. As described above, CAELA offers a variety of products and services to enhance English language instruction in all fifty states.


 * Name:** Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL)


 * URL:** []


 * Description:** CAL is a private, non-profit organization working to improve communication through better understanding of language and culture. Established in 1959, CAL is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

CAL has earned a national and international reputation for its contributions to the fields of bilingual, English as a second language, literacy, and foreign language education; dialect studies; language policy; refugee orientation; and the education of linguistically and culturally diverse adults and children.

CAL's experienced staff of researchers and educators conduct research, design and develop instructional materials and language tests, provide technical assistance and professional development, conduct needs assessments and program evaluations, and disseminate information and resources to language and culture.


 * Reason Featured:** As mentioned above, CAL offers many quality resources in various areas of language specialization. Whether doing research or simply keeping abreast of advances in the field, CAL should be on every ESL teacher's list of favorites.


 * Name:** Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO)


 * URL:** []


 * Description:** CALICO is an international organization dedicated to research and development in the use of computer technology in language learning: computer-assisted language learning (CALL).

CALICO began mainly as a group of people interested in using and producing technology-based materials for second/foreign language teaching. After more than 25 years of growth and experience, CALICO now includes language educators, programmers, technicians, web page designers, CALL developers, CALL practitioners, and second language acquisition researchers--anyone interested in exploring the use of technology for language teaching and learning.


 * Reason Featured:** As rapidly as technology changes, educators need to belong to an organization which stays on the cutting edge of educational technology. CALICO offers language teachers, administrators, and others the opportunity to do just that.