TESL Ontario

TESL Ontario functions as a certification body for English language educators in Ontario, and provides accreditation for TESL training institutions. This non-profit organization, established in 1972, serves the professional development needs of English language educators and 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 Statement Support for Turkey & Syria Earthquake Victims

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TESL Ontario expresses deep condolences to our many Turkish and Syrian members today following the devastating series of earthquakes and aftershocks that have affected those nations. Images of homes, businesses, libraries, schools and historical buildings destroyed are overwhelming, while the human toll is nothing short of heartbreaking.

We encourage those who are able to consider showing their support for the people of Turkey and Syria through reputable organizations such as the Humanitarian Coalition or Médecins Sans Frontières.

Black History Month

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Today marks the start of Black History Month, a time to pause and honour the legacy of Black Canadians and celebrate the contributions they have made and continue to make to the diverse fabric of our society. 

TESL Ontario encourages all members to take the time this month to listen, to learn and to join us in our efforts to be strong allies in eradicating anti-Black racism and discrimination.

Research Project: Non-native English language teachers' early career anxiety and resilience in post-pandemic times

You are invited to participate in a study conducted by Dr. Julie Byrd Clark, Principal Investigator, and Aide Chen, co-investigator, about non-native English language teachers’ early career anxiety and resilience in post-pandemic times.

Your participation in this study will help us understand non-native English teachers' early career challenges and possible ways to facilitate professional development in post-pandemic times.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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Today, September 30th, 2022, marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Turtle Island.

Today, we also observe Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led day of commemoration to remember the stolen children and survivors of the residential school system and to honour their families and communities.

The orange shirt, recognizing the clothing that was taken from Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, on her first day at a residential school, serves as a symbolic reminder of the stripping of culture and freedom from Indigenous children over generations.

We encourage all of our members to take time to reflect today - and to wear orange in remembrance of the tragic legacy of the residential school system and in solidarity with its survivors and the call for truth and reconciliation.

To begin or to continue a journey of learning, we recommend exploring this resource and other valuable resources on Indigenous culture, arts, and heritage that represents just some of the rich and diverse voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

The TESL Ontario office is located on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, the Wendat and the Haudenosaunee.

Research Project: University Transition of International Students

You are invited to participate in the study “University Transition of International Students” that we, Ridha Ben-Rejeb (researcher) and principal investigator Dr Frank Boers are conducting at Western Education. This study aims to explore the experiences of individual international students as they transitioned from an English language preparatory program in Canada to pursue undergraduate studies at a Canadian university. The inquiry focuses particularly on identifying language skills, strategies and resources that enhanced their university transition and success.

Research Project: Hiring Criteria and Employability of ESL/EFL Teachers in the TESOL Job Market in Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

You are being invited to participate in a study conducted by Dr. Shelley Taylor, Principal Investigator, and Shaden Attia, co-investigator, about the Hiring Criteria and Employability of ESL/EFL Instructors in the TESOL Job Market in Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Your participation in this study will help us to better understand the main hiring criteria expected from ESL/EFL teachers, the employability of teachers in today’s global market, and the effect of globalization on the TESOL field.

We are recruiting participants from three different groups:

  • ESL/EFL instructors who speak English as a second or additional language, with experience in a higher education institute (university or college) in Canada and/or the UAE.
  • Recruiters with experience hiring ESL/EFL instructors in a higher education institute in Canada and/or the UAE
  • Program administrators with experience managing an ESL/EFL program in a higher education institute in Canada and/or the UAE

For instructors, if you volunteer to participate in the study, you will first fill out a questionnaire, which takes approximately 10 minutes. Then, you will complete a journal reflection, which should take approximately 15-20 minutes, and finally you will be invited to attend an online interview session. The interview will be one-on-one, approximately 30 minutes, and conducted via Zoom.

For Recruiters, if you volunteer to participate in the study, you will first fill out a questionnaire, which takes approximately 10 minutes. Then, you will be invited to attend an online interview session. The interview will be one-on-one, approximately 30 minutes, and conducted via Zoom.

For program administrators, if you volunteer to participate in the study, you will be invited to attend an online interview session. The interview will be one-on-one, approximately 30 minutes, and conducted via Zoom.

Compensation: If you participate in the questionnaire, you will be offered the opportunity to enter a draw to win a 15-dollar e-gift card (Amazon or Tim Hortons). Also, each interview and journal reflection participant will receive a 15-dollar e-gift card each (Amazon or Tim Hortons).

Study Details for ESL/EFL instructor participants: ESLEFL Instructor Participants' Invitation.pdf
Study Details for Recruiter participants: Recruiter Participants' Invitation.pdf
Study Details for Program Administrator participants: Program Administrators' Invitation.pdf

If you would like more information on this study and if you are interested in participating, please contact the co-investigator, Shaden Attia, at sattia2@uwo.ca, or the principal investigator, Shelley Taylor, at taylor@uwo.ca.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

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Today, TESL Ontario joins with friends, partners and individuals across Turtle Island to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day.

This is a day for all of us to recognize and celebrate the heritage, diversity and valuable contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples throughout history.

We honour the resilience and strength of the Indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with this land for thousands of years and, at the same time, we reflect on the systemic racism and discrimination that have caused generations of trauma. We recognize that this trauma continues to this day and we recommit ourselves to education and action to stand as supportive allies.

Together with organizations and educators across the country, TESL Ontario will continue to work and strive to create a more equal, equitable and inclusive community for this and future generations.