President's Message

Welcome to the TESL Ontario website!
Whether you are new to the field of ESL or a veteran, this platform offers information about career opportunities, certification, professional development, a discussion forum and resources for instructors and learners, to name a few.

The role of TESL Ontario is forever developing. As the ESL population changes due to demographic and immigration trends, we constantly need to address emerging issues and needs in our community in order to make informed decisions and plans to continue to move our organization forward. For a number of years, we have been a leader in professional development initiatives - the highlight being our annual conference showcasing latest trends in research and practice. As well, we have become a professional certifying body and a prominent stakeholder in the field of English-as-a-Second-Language in Ontario.

Being a non-profit organization, we rely heavily on the work of our TESL Ontario Board and small, efficient staff. I would like to thank them and the many volunteers who contribute their time and talents at the provincial and affiliate levels in supporting the organization.

Sheila Carson
President

About Us

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 set standards 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 close to 4,000 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

Criteria set out for certification are upheld by: the Certification Review Board (CRB) which assesses credentials or portfolios of ESL instructors; the TESL Training Institution Recognition Committee (TTIRAC) which evaluates teacher training programs; and the Appeals Committee which adjudicates claims made by individuals or institutions.

Click here for more information.

A short history about TESL Ontario certification.

Annual Conference & Technology Fair

Held the third week of November in Toronto, Ontario.
Click here for more information.

Publications

• CONTACT (Tesl Ontario Newsletter)
• TESL Ontario Conference Proceedings
• TESL Canada Journal
• Local Affiliate Newsletters

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:

• ESL Resource Group of Ontario (ERGO)
• Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)
• Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA)
• Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities, and Ministry of Education
• Ontario Regional LINC Advisory Committee (ORLAC)

Executive Board

TESL Ontario's Executive Board consists of the Core Executive of the voting members elected for two years at the Annual General Meeting held during the Annual Conference. The Executive also includes representatives from each local affiliate. The Executive meets five times each year to establish policy, carry out business and advocate for ESL rights.

Focus Groups

• ESL Literacy
• Refugee Concerns
• English Language Teaching Overseas
• College ESL Chairs & Coordinators

Associated Organizations

• TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages)
• TESL Canada
• TESL Venezuela (twinned)