TESL Ontario
Teachers of English as a Second Language of Ontario

About us

TESL Ontario By-Laws
TESL Ontario Ethics Policies

ESL Educators

Established in 1972, TESL Ontario is a non-profit organization serving the needs of teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD). In its commitment to professional development and advocacy, TESL Ontario addresses the range of competencies, experiences, and issues which influence the success of immigrants, refugees, visa students, and others who are learning English.

TESL Ontario Mission Statement

TESL Ontario provides support and direction to professionals, government bodies and learners involved in English as a Second Language in Ontario.

Goals and Objectives

  1. To provide opportunities for professional development for all sectors of ESL
  2. To ensure excellence in the field of Adult non-credit ESL through TESL Ontario Certification.
  3. To provide opportunities for linking with other ESL professional organizations, nationally and internationally through various venues such as CONTACT, the TESL Ontario web-site and the TESL Canada newsletter.
  4. To provide expertise to local, provincial and national government bodies through consultations, representation on committees, etc.
  5. To promote the development of materials which are appropriate to the needs and the culture of our client groups.
  6. To operate in a fiscally responsible manner within standard accounting practices.

Membership

TESL Ontario consists approximately 4,300 ESL teachers, instructors, teacher educators, volunteers, students, materials and curriculum developers, researchers and administrators. Members of TESL Ontario are active at national, provincial, and local levels. Being connected to TESL Canada provides a wider perspective on language, settlement, and administrative issues, and entitles members to receive the TESL Canada Journal. Closer to home, TESL members participate in professional development through their local affiliates. There are twelve affiliates throughout the province that host such events as workshops, conferences, swap shops, publishers' displays and expert panel discussions from September through June. In this way, the particular needs of a region can be addressed, but also shared with other TESL affiliates.

Certification

The TESL Ontario instructor certificate is designed primarily for those wishing to teach in publicly funded programs for adult newcomers to Ontario. A TESL Ontario Certificate is mandatory for all new hires in federally funded LINC programs in Ontario; many other Adult ESL program supervisors also require incoming Adult ESL instructors to have it. Click here for more information.

A short history about TESL Ontario certification.

Annual Conference & Technology Fair

Held at the end of the year in Toronto, Ontario.
Click here for more information.

Publications

Communication

Communication is maintained by representatives who report to the Board of Directors on the activities and policies of various government and advisory groups. These include:

TESL Ontario Board

The TESL Ontario Board is committed to operating within a pure Policy Governance model. The Board values the link between itself and the membership. The major purpose of the Board is to establish policies that govern how TESL Ontario does business and makes decisions. One of the most important policies describes the Strategic Priorities or Targets. All activities of the association are undertaken to meet these Targets. They are perceived as benefits to the membership. All Board positions are Members-at-Large and serve a 3-year term with the option of one renewable term. Elections are held in the fall and the new slate of Directors is presented at the TESL Ontario Annual General Meeting. The offices of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer are all elected from within the Board of Directors after the AGM. The Board meets five times each year.

Associated Organizations

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