This week marks the beginning of Pride Month 2021, a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the 2SLGBTQ+ community here in Ontario and around the world.

While we celebrate, we also take time to recognize the ongoing challenges faced by so many members of this vibrant community, particularly those in the Trans community and those who are racialized.

We at TESL Ontario commit to acting as strong allies to the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the ongoing movement for equal rights, inclusion and equity. This year, we further commit to sourcing 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive resources and curricula to share with our membership as we work toward creating safe spaces for all in Ontario’s English language education sector.

While this year’s celebrations may once again be virtual, they are no less important and should be no less vibrant!

Happy Pride Month to all members of the TESL Ontario community!

TESL Ontario’s Competency Framework identifies the categories of competence and the competencies required of qualified adult English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in Ontario. The framework describes the key knowledge and skills required for effective adult ESL teaching in Ontario.

TESL Ontario is offering several information sessions to educate members of the ESL community on the Competency Framework.

Click here to find the best session for your needs.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am honoured to announce the appointment of Allison Keown to the position of Executive Director of TESL Ontario beginning, January 18, 2021.

Many are familiar with Allison, as she spent ten years with TESL Ontario as Member Services Manager. She has developed bold strategies and expanded services and benefits programs to ensure more value is delivered to members like you. Allison played a key role in the TESL Ontario webinar series, TESL Blog, member and volunteer recognition programs and the ever growing social media communities.

Allison was selected following a thorough recruitment process which resulted in a field of exceptional candidates. Our board believes Allison's history with TESL Ontario, commitment to our members, innovative thinking and her skills and leadership qualities position her for success in bringing TESL Ontario into the future.

I would like to congratulate Allison on her new role and extend our deepest gratitude to Eva Csiszar for her leadership as Interim Executive Director since Renate Tilson's retirement in the fall.

Sharon Deng
Chair, Board of Directors

Dear TESL Ontario Members,

I’m excited and honoured to begin a new chapter with TESL Ontario in the role of Executive Director. It has been a privilege to serve the TESL Ontario membership for the past 10 years as Member Services Manager. I have enjoyed being a part of this extraordinary community, and as I transition into this new role one of my main priorities is to continue to foster and support the remarkable individuals who dedicate their careers to this profession.

I would like to recognize the tremendous effort put forth by the TESL Ontario staff and Board of Directors whose dedication and work has made this organization what it is today. Their collective skills and vision are unmatched and I appreciate their commitment to the success of the organization.

I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, staff, funding partners, volunteers and members to continue to advance the TESL profession and to guide the future of the organization.

Sincerely,

Allison Keown
Executive Director
TESL Ontario

If you are currently teaching or have recently taught a Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Literacy class, I invite you to participate in a portfolio- based language assessment (PBLA) research project. The purpose of the survey is to explore LINC Literacy instructors’ perceptions of the purpose of PBLA, its impact on teaching and learning, and the assessment processes involved in PBLA.

The week of April 19 to 25 is National Volunteer Week. TESL Ontario would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our volunteers for their contributions to TESL Ontario and its affiliate chapters.

Thank a Volunteer

TESL Ontario volunteers make innovative contributions to the organization that benefit each and every member of TESL Ontario. By selflessly sharing their time, expertise, commitment and vision they have facilitated significant progress for language training professionals in Ontario.

Take a few minutes to thank a volunteer for their service. It can be a message to a specific volunteer or team of volunteers, or a general shout out to all volunteers.

Send a Thank you message: https://teslontario.formstack.com/forms/thankavolunteer

As the situation around COVID-19 continues to evolve, the TESL Ontario office location will be closed until further notice. During this period, staff members can be reached by email through the Contact Us page.

As our members look for ways to manage their changing work environment, because of the COVID-19 virus, one member came forward to share his knowledge. John Allan, a dedicated volunteer for TESL Ontario, presented the webinar, 'Coping with COVID-19 Using Online Instruction'. The video of this webinar is now posted to the TESL Ontario YouTube Channel. Our thanks to John for the valuable information he shared.

List of comments and ideas shared by webinar attendees

List of Remote Teaching resources

Coping with COVID-19 using Online Instruction

Dear TESL Ontario Members,

TESL Ontario is reaching out to let you know that the health and safety of our members is of utmost importance of us. We urge you to take guidance from your local health authorities (https://www.alphaweb.org/page/PHU) and to monitor all updates regularly. If you plan on travel you may wish to consult the Government of Canada travel health notices https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html

As this situation is rapidly changing from day to day, please reach out to your immediate supervisor at your place of employment with any workplace concerns or questions you may have.

We recognize that there are communities and members who have been impacted more directly by this virus. As a community, we need to come together at a time like this and remain vigilant and follow advice from our local, provincial and national health authorities.

Renate Tilson
Executive Director