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Benefits

WHY IS RENEWING MY TESL ONTARIO CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT?

There are several reasons. First, your original certification is for five years. From the initial date of certification until it is time to renew, you will have had the opportunity to attend workshops and conferences that will keep you current on the latest findings about learning a language, and the debate about the best ways of teaching ESL. You will also have had chances to share best practices and bright ideas for ESL classes with colleagues at various workshops and conferences. By renewing your certification through submitting proof of participation in these professional development activities, TESL Ontario formally acknowledges your commitment to your professional development.

In addition, for those of us employed in LINC programmes funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, we are required to maintain our TESL Ontario certification while we are under contract. In Schedule 4 of the 2005-2006 LINC contracts it states:

"LINC instructors who were hired by a LINC funded service provider prior to January 1, 2003 and who have been continuously employed by the same service provider since that time, may continue in that capacity with the same provider. LINC instructors hired by a LINC funded service provider on or after January 1, 2003, must be TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Ontario Certified at the time of hiring and throughout their employment as a LINC instructor."

For ESL instructors who seek employment in a LINC programme funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada it is necessary to demonstrate certification by TESL Ontario.

Finally, the Province of Ontario has recently completed a review of its adult education programmes including the delivery of English as a Second Language programmes. In the chapter outlining the "Recommendations for Action" of the Ontario Learns" Strengthening Our Adult Education System the report states that it recommends:

"Fostering a culture of excellence in the delivery of adult education through improvements in practice, through professional development, and through the creation of a website for sharing resources, best practices, and the results of adult education research.  "The landscape of ESL delivery is changing in Ontario as attested by the new provincial Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. Renewing your TESL Ontario certification gives you flexibility in your employment situation.