October 30, 2018
Dear Members,
It is hard to imagine that we have come to the end of yet another 2018 month! Fall is such a busy time for everyone. I just wanted to send a brief update and greetings from TESL Canada.
First of all, please find attached our inaugural TESL Canada Connects newsletter. We will post these on our website and twitter account and we welcome contributions of ideas and recommendations from our members. Each month, in addition to information on upcoming events and teaching ideas, we hope to feature news from the provincial partners as well as from our recognized teacher training programs. This month, University of Winnipeg’s TESL program is featured along with an update from TESL Newfoundland and Labrador.
Speaking of provincial partners, we are so pleased to have the support of so many provincial associations and we will endeavour to continue these positive collaborations in the new year. We are doing our best to listen to our partners and to respond to feedback. For example, we are removing some redundancy to the certification process and will be removing the interim and permanent status and moving to a simple three-certificate model (Standard 1, 2 and 3). We are also exploring the idea of a certification directory and a professional development framework for professional certification.
We have also established a TC recognized teacher training program advisory group who will meet on a quarterly basis. This group had their first meeting last week and we discussed many important matters such as documentation needed for certification of graduates, international practica, and qualifications of teacher trainers. We will also be updating some of the certificate application forms based on feedback received and hope to form an ad hoc advisory committee for a review of the standards in the new year.
We have made it a priority to connect and communicate with stakeholders and members. We are pleased to be engaged in positive conversations with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) including a face-to-face meeting in September. We will be following up with them regarding a possible proposal related to professional standards and professional learning. As well, members of the board are engaged in the NLAB (National Language Advisory Body) group which supports settlement language initiatives across the country.
We will be sending out a message soon regarding a couple of Zoom professional learning (PL) sessions - one related to CELPIP and one related to using the Zoom platform for online teaching. We will also be soliciting ideas from members for topics for future PL topics. Also, we plan to have PL bursaries (TCEF-TESL Canada Educational Foundation) available for members to apply for in the new year.
Finally, we will be sending out a nomination notice regarding the VP position, which has been vacant since I moved into the President role. If you have expertise and skills in the area of leadership, please consider serving your national organization in this way.
If you would like to contact me, please do not hesitate to email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Have a wonderful November.
Paula Kristmanson
President TESL Canada