The TESL Ontario Sparks of Excellence Award is designed to recognize and acknowledge the excellence and commitment of TESL Ontario members who provide outstanding educational experiences to their students or who demonstrate exceptional leadership/mentoring expertise towards their colleagues and student teachers in a manner that goes above and beyond the day to day duties of their job.

Sparks of Excellence Award Nomination

Award Overview:

The TESL Ontario Sparks of Excellence Award is designed to recognize and acknowledge the excellence and commitment of TESL Ontario members.

TESL Ontario presents the Sparks of Excellence Award annually to (up to) three members who go the extra mile to provide their students with an exceptional educational experience, or who play a vital leadership and/or mentoring role for colleagues or student teachers in their workplace.

Nominee Overview

Nominee must have demonstrated their commitment to the ESL profession in one of the following ways:

• by providing an outstanding educational experience for their students, or
• by demonstrating exceptional leadership and/or mentoring expertise towards colleagues and/or student teachers in their work place.

Nominee Qualifications:

1. Nominees must currently be employed in a language training program in Ontario.
2. Nominees must be members of TESL Ontario in good standing.
3. Nominees must have been involved in the ESL profession as either an instructor or administrative capacity for a minimum of three years.
4. The nominee’s extraordinary commitment must exceed minimum expectations for the completion of their duties in their day-to-day employment.

Application Process:

1. Identify a nominee and confirm with the individual that they are willing to be nominated.
2. Write a nomination letter stating clearly why this nominee should be considered for a Sparks of Excellence Award.
   • The letter should cite specific examples when the teacher demonstrated why they should be considered for this award.
   • The letter should be no more than 3 pages long, single-sided, double-spaced using a font size of 10.
3. The writer must provide their full name, place of work (if applicable), contact information and signature.
4. Find one other individual to support the nomination.
   • The supporting individual must write a short letter, including an example(s) of the nominees outstanding commitment.
     • The letter should be no more than one page, double-spaced, single sided.
     • The letters should express the reason or reasons why the teacher is being nominated.
     • The letter must include different examples.
     • The writer must provide their full name, place of work (if applicable), contact information and signature.
5. Complete a Nomination form that provides the name, place of employment and contact information for the person being nominated.
   • Nomination letter and one supporting nomination letter must be included with the Nomination form.
   • Nomination submission forms can be found at
     https://teslontario.formstack.com/forms/sparks_of_excellence_award_nominations_2026
6. All Nominations will be considered by a panel of evaluators appointed by TESL Ontario who represent a wide range of ESL professionals
7. Nominations must be received with all supporting documentation on or before September 4, 2026.
8. A maximum of three nominees will be selected to be honoured with the TESL Ontario Sparks of Excellence Award at the TESL Ontario annual conference (to be held in November 2026). If no suitable nominees are submitted, the award will not be presented.
9. Only successful nominees will be notified.
10. Successful candidates may be contacted by media (newspapers, radio, television, online) for interviews about the award. These interviews will be facilitated by TESL Ontario`s public relations specialist.
11. Sparks of Excellence award winner’s name and biography will be posted on the TESL Ontario website and social media platforms, as well as in TESL Ontario publications where appropriate.

For questions or more information, please contact:
Dave Fraser, Manager, Member Engagement & Communications
dave.fraser@teslontario.org

2025 Sparks of Excellence Award Recipients

Malgorzata (Margaret) Holec
Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor

TESL Ontario proudly recognizes Margaret Holec with the Sparks of Excellence Award for her exceptional dedication to learners, colleagues, and her community. As a LINC instructor and PBLA Lead at UHC – Hub of Opportunities, Margaret has set the standard for excellence in language instruction and assessment. Her leadership in implementing and refining PBLA practices since 2015 has strengthened the quality and integrity of the organization’s programs, while her mentorship and encouragement have inspired professional growth among her peers. Known for her innovation and meticulous attention to detail, she consistently develops tools and resources—such as learner manuals and digital platforms—that enhance learning and accessibility for newcomers.

Beyond the classroom, Margaret exemplifies community engagement and inclusivity. As a long-time volunteer with TESL Windsor, including service as Vice President and President, she has strengthened the professional community through inspired leadership, dynamic events, and expanded outreach. Her commitment to cultural connection extends further through initiatives like founding a youth group for newcomer children, co-hosting the What’s Up Windsor radio program, and establishing language and arts programs that celebrate diversity and multilingualism.

A consummate educator, leader, and community builder, Margaret Holec brings creativity, compassion, and professionalism to everything she does. Her tireless commitment to learners and her vision for inclusive, engaging language education embody the very spirit of the Sparks of Excellence Award.

Catherine (Kate) Maven
Centre for Skills Development Burlington

With more than 15 years of experience as an ESL instructor, Kate has distinguished herself as an educator whose creativity, passion, and generosity continually enrich the TESL community. As a teacher, she engages learners with imaginative lessons that motivate and inspire. Beyond the classroom, Kate has authored several books, including 101 Secrets of Success in Canada and its accompanying workbook, which provide newcomers with practical tools to navigate Canadian culture, education, and workplaces with confidence.

Kate’s commitment to professional development is equally inspiring. Since 2009, she has designed and delivered dynamic TESL workshops—such as Tricks for Teaching Tough Sounds, Boost Your Creative Chi!, and Monday Morning Wake-Ups!—which have been well received at TESL Ontario’s annual conference and affiliate PD events across the province. She also gives back generously as a conference moderator and by freely sharing her lesson materials, games, and ideas with colleagues.

Creative, collaborative, and dedicated, Kate embodies the very spirit of the Sparks of Excellence Award. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on learners, colleagues, and the broader TESL community, and she continues to inspire through her innovative teaching, resource creation, and mentorship.

Previous Years’ Recipients