Research Project: Stigmatized ESL Teacher Talk!

ESL teachers, have you ever been told that you are speaking too much in class? What did you do about it? How did it make you feel?

Perhaps it would surprise you that ESL teacher talk should not be about the quantity of that talk. A new program, Quality Teacher Talk Training (QTTT) has been developed to focus on the real problem: A lack of discourse based training in most TESL training programs.

Research Project: English Language Teacher (ELT) Self-Directed Teacher Learning (SDTL) in Online Spaces: Case Studies of Teacher Explorers

I am a PhD Candidate at York University, who is looking for participants for my dissertation research project English Language Teacher (ELT) Self-Directed Teacher Learning (SDTL) in Online Spaces: Case Studies of Teacher Explorers. Briefly, I am looking for experienced English language teachers (5 years+) who engage in professional development activities online because of their own interest (i.e., not due to their employer’s requirement, or to fulfill re-certification requirements). I am hoping to learn more about your motivations, learning experiences, and reflections on teaching.

Research Project: English Language Instructor's/Teacher's approaches to teaching Confucian students

My name is Jessica Portelance and I am a master’s student working under the supervision of Dr. Elizabeth Falzone in the Department of Education at Niagara University. As part of my master’s degree, I am conducting a research study on current English Language Instructor's/Teacher's approaches to teaching students who come from Confucian heritage cultures in an online setting. If you have experience as an English language instructor/teacher/professor/professional with students in this demographic, I would like to invite you to participate in this study and offer your insights.

New PLAR Assessment Service - Starting January 1, 2022

In 2018, TESL Ontario received four-year project funding from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) for the development of a new Competency and Credit Based PLAR process. TESL Ontario is pleased to announce that the project is now complete and the new Competency-and-Credit Based Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition service will be launched as of January 1, 2022. The current portfolio-based PLAR service will be discontinued as of the same date.

To be eligible for the new PLAR service, candidates must have the following:

Research Project: Teaching of grammar in ESL classrooms

You are invited to participate in a study on the teaching of grammar in ESL classrooms, specifically, exploring how ESL teachers are prepared and supported in developing the skills and expertise to effectively teach grammar to adults in the ESL classroom. If you are an ESL teacher and have completed a TESL Certificate or other language teacher education program, your input in an online survey would be very much appreciated! Please visit the Call for Research Participants for the study description. Feel free to contact me at antvaleo@yorku.ca

TESL Ontario Statement: London Tragedy

TESL Ontario is shocked and saddened by the tragic deaths of a Muslim family in London, ON., following a hate-motivated attack this week. We are pained that so many people within our own communities feel unsafe or unwelcome as they live their daily lives.

While we mourn this tremendous loss and abhorrent act of hate, we hold in our thoughts the nine-year old survivor. We stand in solidarity and support with our Muslim friends, members, colleagues and loved ones, and remain committed to providing a community free from discrimination of any kind.

Islamophobia has no place in our society and TESL Ontario is committed to ensuring it is never allowed to take root in our diverse educational community.

National Indigenous History Month

National Indigenous Month imageJune marks National Indigenous History Month, a time to celebrate, commemorate and deeply honour the contributions, achievements, traditions and heritage of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples across Turtle Island.

This year’s observance comes at a somber moment as all Canadians come to grips with the tragic discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children at a former residential school on the territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation.

TESL Ontario gratefully acknowledges that we live, gather and carry out our work on the traditional territories of many First Nations. Our central location, Tkaronto, under Treaty 13, is the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit River.

TESL Ontario and our entire team have a continued commitment to promoting reconciliation and to our own ongoing learning about the history of First Nations Peoples and the continued discrimination, persecution and social issues that are faced to this day.

Pride Month 2021

Pride Month imageThis 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!

Competency Framework Information Sessions

Competency Framework image

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.