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As we all know, Larry Fisher is retiring.  Not only is he saying “until next time” to the IEC, where he has taught and worked for more than 40 years, but also Larry is stepping down from his position as Executive Secretary of CoTESOL.

In honor of his many years of service to the CoTESOL organization and community, Larry was recently presented with the Barbara June Sample President’s Award.  The award “is given to a distinguished member of the community for advancing educational opportunity for the people of Colorado.”  This is an apt description of a person who through CoTESOL, has done so much to support ESL teachers, students, and education here in our state. 

Larry has served as the Executive Secretary of CoTESOL for 20 years.  During that time, he has helped guide and develop the organization to become the stable and innovative TESOL Affiliate that it is today.  Dedicated CoTESOL board members and other volunteers work to produce successful annual fall and spring conventions that embody the goal outlined in the organization’s mission statement:  to support affiliate members and English language learners and education through opportunities for professional discourse, research and leadership; and to promote advocacy, high standards and respect for language and culture. 

CoTESOL’s ongoing success is in no small part due to Larry’s commitment to that mission.  It is also due to his endearing leadership style, which combines informed professionalism with consistent compassion and a steady flow of good humor – not to mention unforgettable laughter.

Larry, thank you for who you are and for all you have done for the CoTESOL organization and its diverse, vibrant and evolving community!

Tom Germain, Outgoing CoTESOL President for 2018

Although Larry has indicated to me that he feels very appreciated already, I decided to contact "Big TESOL," as he often refers to the organization. I thought that Larry should be presented with a letter of appreciation at his retirement party from the executive directors of the parent organization he has essentially helped grow and form into its present success. Larry has played a huge role in making CoTESOL the influential force that it is today. Thanks largely to Larry, CoTESOL has become the fifth largest affiliate in the nation.

Now we need to learn to fly without his leadership. It will not be easy without him, but we will try.

Agnes Farkas-Roszell, Incoming CoTESOL President for 2019

“It is with pleasure that TESOL International Association recognizes the service of retiring CoTESOL Executive Secretary Larry Fisher. Larry has a substantial and significant record of service to the profession, including over 20 years as Executive Secretary to CoTESOL. He began just one year after CoTESOL was founded, so he could rightfully be seen as the living memory of the association. During his tenure, CoTESOL has grown from a fledgling group to a thriving community of English language teachers, researchers, and administrators. CoTESOL, like TESOL International Association, is a membership association. The success of our associations depends on the connectivity, knowledge, and expertise of their members, many of whom serve as volunteers essential to the operation of the association. Having someone who stays in the organization for years – or decades, in Larry’s case – is of special worth. Congratulations to Larry Fisher on a very successful tenure in CoTESOL, and best wishes for his future activities.”

Luciana de Oliveira, TESOL President

Deborah Healey, TESOL President-Elect

Ester de Jong, TESOL Past President

Christopher Powers, TESOL Executive Director