TESL Ontario Board Recruitment

The TESL Ontario Board of Directors is a group of committed, enthusiastic members who ensure TESL Ontario meets its strategic objectives and who establish policies governing TESL Ontario.

We are looking for TESL Ontario members with a passion for the field and a wealth of experience to serve with us on the TESL Ontario Board of Directors.

We are looking for candidates who:

  • are TESL Ontario members
  • are strategic thinkers who are committed to the vision and mission of TESL Ontario
  • demonstrate leadership qualities
  • work well in a collaborative environment
  • are comfortable making decisions and delegating
  • are comfortable with electronic communication and social media
  • are disciplined and have creative problem solving skills
  • have served on a TESL Ontario affiliate executive or have board experience on a not-for-profit board
  • have a wide range of experiences in the field of English as a Second Language
  • have up to approximately 10 hours per month to commit to the Board-related activities
  • are actively involved in the ESL/English language teaching profession in Ontario

About Our Board

The TESL Ontario Board operates with a pure Policy Governance model. All positions are Members-at-Large. 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. New board members will be mentored by experienced board members.

Open Positions for 2024-2025:

  • three 3-year term director positions

Benefits of Volunteering as a TESL Ontario Board of Director

Give back to the profession by:

  • shaping and contributing to the direction of the profession
  • promoting opportunities for professional development

Build your career by:

  • developing skills in the areas of leadership, decision making, problem solving communication, and advocacy
  • increasing your knowledge of professional issues
  • adding your volunteer experience to your resume

Expand your network of colleagues by:

  • meeting ESL professionals from across the province
  • building friendships and professional networks

Learn more about the activities of a not-for-profit association by:

  • participating in orientation to your role on the Board
  • working with a supportive group of professionals
  • gaining knowledge of Policy Governance and the meeting process

Time commitment

Directors are expected to serve a 3-year term, with the option for election to another consecutive 3-year term. There is required onboarding training of roughly 10 hours to be completed at the start of a Director’s tenure. Board meetings occur 5 or 6 times a year and are held through video-conference using Zoom, except for two face-to-face meetings, held on Saturdays in Toronto. For these face-to-face meetings, TESL Ontario will cover all travel, accommodation and meal expenses. Flexibility of working hours is a definite asset. Competent computer skills are necessary to actively participate on this Board because most communication is conducted electronically.

The Election Process

In keeping with TESL Ontario’s By-laws and Procedures:

  • The Nominating Committee will review all applicants based on their commitment to TESL Ontario’s Strategic Priorities, personal strengths, experience relevant to the current needs of the board, and experience and/or commitment to English language training delivery.
  • Nominations from the floor at the AGM will not be accepted.
  • The Board will present a slate of candidates to all TESL Ontario members to review.
  • Elections for all Board positions will be voted on in the fall. Procedure details will be included in Contact, on the website and will be communicated to the membership.
  • The new Board of Directors will be presented at TESL Ontario’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in a virtual format.

How to apply