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MATSOL Board of Directors

2023-24 MATSOL Board of DirectorsDo you want to help shape the future of MATSOL? Are you passionate about promoting equity and excellence in the education of English learners? Submit an application to join the MATSOL Board of Directors! 

MATSOL seeks a diverse range of committed and energetic members of MATSOL with a passion for our mission to take a leadership role, work on behalf of the organization, and represent MATSOL members and stakeholders.

The MATSOL board encourages members to apply:

  • who have a strong commitment to racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion;
  • who are from backgrounds not historically represented on the board of directions including diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds;
  • who represent different educational sectors serving English learners (including but not limited to PK12, higher education, adult education) and job types;
  • who represent diverse professions and experiences within the field of education of English learners.
Application deadline: January 31, 2024

Responsibilities

The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing MATSOL’s operations: 
  • Strategic planning and development;
  • Membership activities, programs, and the annual conference; 
  • Advocacy initiatives and responses; 
  • Membership development; 
  • TESOL affiliate responsibilities;
  • Financial and legal obligations as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
NOTE: MATSOL provides orientation and support for new board members who have not served on a board previously.

Qualifications

  • Support for MATSOL’s mission, values, and vision. See https://www.matsol.org/mission
  • Willingness to take an active leadership role in MATSOL and make a commitment for your board term. 
  • MATSOL membership that is in good standing for at least one year prior to application, with previous participation or leadership in MATSOL activities and initiatives (conference, member meetings, advocacy, publications, etc.). This requirement can be waived for students in educational graduate or PhD programs or early career educators in their first five years and for professionals from outside of the education field.
  • Experience or expertise addressing racial justice issues are encouraged to apply.
  • Previous experience on a non-profit board is helpful but not required. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively online (using ZOOM, Google Suites, etc) or willingness to learn.

Board Member Commitment

MATSOL’s Board members are expected to:

  • Serve a three-year term.
  • Take an active role in the organization
  • Attend all Board of Directors meetings (9 online meetings per year), the Board annual retreat, the MATSOL conference, and occasional special meetings, online and/or at locations in the Greater Boston area. 
  • Serve on at least one standing committee (Finance, Governance, Program, or External Relations Committees), attend online committee meetings (approximately 9 per year) and complete tasks related to the work of the committee
  • Complete organizational tasks and committee work outside Board meetings

Application Process 

  1. Your application: Submit your application documents by email to BOD[email protected]. PDF documents are preferred. Include: 
    1. Your candidate statement. Use this template and save as a .pdf. This statement will be reviewed by the nominations committee.
    2. Your resume or CV (limit of 2 pages of relevant experience).
  2. Letter of support from a colleague: The letter of support must be emailed by the author (not the applicant) to BOD[email protected]. The letter should specify the purpose of the recommendation (to support [name]'s application to join the MATSOL Board of Directors) and why the applicant is qualified for the position.

Application materials are due on January 31, 2024. 

Timeline

The MATSOL Governance & Nominations Committee is charged with developing a slate of qualified candidates to fill open positions on the MATSOL Board of Directors. The Committee will contact candidates for a brief interview, to explain more about being a Board member, and to answer any questions about the position. Candidates will be elected by the membership at the MATSOL Annual Meeting in June.

Please review the following information before submitting your application:

MATSOL’s history and governance: 

Responsibilities of a nonprofit board member: