We, the signatories of this petition, language teaching professionals from around the globe (TESOL members and non-members alike), hereby request that the TESOL Board of Directors strongly consider re-instating Professor Tim Stewart as editor of the Essential Teacher (ET). We are gravely concerned about the summary manner in which Tim was dismissed from his editorial position by TESOLs President and TESOLs Executive Director in early May, 2007. No clear reasons were given for Tims dismissal - due process was not followed, and neither ET staff, nor the Serial Publications Committee, nor the full TESOL Board of Directors were consulted prior to Tim being removed as ET editor.

Due to Tims professional and conscientious efforts, Essential Teacher improved issue by issue since he began his editorship in January, 2006. One reason for this improvement is that Tim and other section editors of ET constantly placed a high premium on TESOL professionals innovative ideas and thought-provoking experiences. Thus, with their tremendous support and extensive guidance, the manuscripts of many TESOLers became publishable ET articles. Moreover, Tims manner of communication with TESOL members at the grassroots level, which was one of his mandated duties as ET editor, was polite, democratic, and enthusiastic.

We firmly believe that democracy and transparency, the hallmarks of any good international organization, and ideals cited in TESOL President Sandra Briggs own mission statement, should prevail. In this light, we respectfully request that the decision to remove Tim from the editorship of ET be seriously reconsidered. Not only does ET need him, we, as rank and file TESOL members and friends of TESOL, greatly value Tim as an innovative, conscientious, and dedicated editor.