APLIERJ was founded in Campos dos Goytacazes in 1993 in an effort to foster the professional development of teachers of English in Rio de Janeiro State. Since then, the association has been growing with the support of its own members, publishers, private and public institutions. At present its membership is at approximately 1,000 professionals.

Being a non-profit organization, the members of the Executive Board, Cultural Committee and Financial Committee are all volunteers, working for the good of the professional growth of English teachers.

The main aims of APLIERJ are to:
• promote the sharing of knowledge and experience;
• establish and maintain contact with similar associations;
• organize conventions, meetings and seminars on topics related to English teaching;
• publish newsletters to keep its members up-to-date with new trends in the field of ELT.