Category Archives: Professional Development

Looking at 2020 through Rose-Coloured Glasses


Written by - John Allan @mrpottz
image source: John Allan

In spite of all of the negative effects of the COVID-19 crisis, do you think you could find some positive events that you experienced in 2020?   It is difficult to imagine, as we are still in the eye of this storm.  Over the winter break, however, I started a brainstorm sketch about the positive effects that have come during the pandemic in order to reframe my focus for 2021. This is my list below; possibly you might try the same exercise to reset your expectations for your teaching and personal life in 2021. 

Teaching

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#CDNELTCHAT: JOIN THE CHAT ON TUESDAY!


Written by - teslontario

If you’re a Twitter user, join the next #CdnELTchat on Tuesday, December 8 with Tanya Cowie co-moderating a chat on intersectionality.   Below is a recap of the November 10 chat written by #CdnELTchat moderator Jennifer Chow.

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Online Success for TESL Ontario 2020 Virtual Conference


Written by - Svjetlana Vrbanic @lanavrb
Image source: TESL Ontario

As a TESL Ontario guest blogger and ESL teacher, I was excited to attend the TESL Ontario 48th Annual Virtual Conference held November 5-7. Called Resilience: Re-envisioning Language Education Together, the conference was held online using PheedLoop.

A virtual conference—who would have thought it?

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Summary of the #Representation in ELT discussion


Written by - teslontario

On October 23, 2020, teachers from Ontario and other provinces gathered on Twitter to discuss representation in ELT (English Language Teaching). This #teslONchat was a joint event with the popular #CdnELTchat. The hour-long chat was guest moderated by Tyson Seburn (@seburnt) while Vanessa Nino (@vnino23) kept the questions coming, and Jennifer Chow (@jennifermchow), Augusta Avram (@ELTAugusta), and Bonnie Nicholas (@BonnieJNicholas) from the #CdnELTchat team welcomed participants and kept the conversation flowing.

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#CdnELTchat: Join the Chat on Tuesday!


Written by - teslontario
Image source: #CdnELTchat

If you’re a Twitter user, join the next #CdnELTchat on Tuesday, September 29. Below is a recap of the September 15 chat written by #CdnELTchat moderator Bonnie Nicholas.

The #CdnELTchat community returned from our summer hiatus with a Welcome back! informal chat. 

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Perfect Timing: Avenue.ca


Written by - John Allan @mrpottz

I am currently part of the team working on Avenue, an online portal that is the right thing at the right time!  It has been a pleasure to work with an amazing team of Canadian educators, administrators and developers to create Avenue under the management of New Language Solutions charity.  This IRCC sponsored Avenue national learning repository for adult newcomers and language instructors launched in mid-August.  The majority of Avenue’s courses, learning activities, resources, and training are focused on fully online teaching and training.  Avenue is a timely solution for language and settlement instructors and students as LINC classes continue online. I consider Avenue the principle online resource for IRCC language instructors across Canada.

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Summary of the #teslONchat’s discussion on #SelfCare with Patrice Palmer


Written by - teslontario

On August 21, 2020, we gathered on Twitter, through the #teslONchat hashtag, to discuss self-care with Patrice Palmer – @positiveupside

Patrice has 25 years of experience as an ESL teacher, trainer, and writer in Canada and spent seven amazing years in Hong Kong. She has taught students from 8 to 80 in a variety of programs. Her experience with professional burn-out in 2015 prompted her to reflect on her lack of self-care and adopt positive psychology strategies which she shares with other educators and administrators. Continue reading →

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Summary of #teslONchat’s discussion on #Mindfulness


Written by - teslontario

On July 31, 2020 we had our first Twitter chat labeled with the hashtag #teslONchat. The purposes of these chats are to connect with the TESL Ontario community and discuss a specific topic for one hour on a Friday evening once a month. 

Our first chat focused on the topic of #Mindfulness and it was moderated by Anjum Karimi (@anjum_karimi). Anjum recently presented a #TESLwebinar around the same topic. She has extensive experience in the ELT field and is very passionate about leading a mindful life. You can also connect with Anjum through her LinkedIn profile. Continue reading →

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Joining the TESL Ontario Board


Written by - Paula Ogg

Inspiration to Join the TESL Ontario Board

Image Source: www.bigstockphoto.com

During the Ontario College strike in October 2017, I felt compelled to be more politically aware. Then, in October 2018, I attended the Canadian Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) Pan-Canadian Research Conference and I found the global and local initiatives to improve education truly inspiring. At my institution, I joined our Senate, Honorary Degree Committee, Local Executive Council, and became the Chair of the Academic Policy Committee. Being a driver of change is really hopeful and promising.

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Professional Development Opportunities


Written by - teslontario
New Year Resolution Goal List 2020 - Business office desk with notebook written in handwriting about plan listing of new year goals and resolutions setting. Change and determination concept.
image source: www.bigstockphoto.com

Have you renewed your TESL Ontario membership? Did you get in your hours of PD last year? We’re just two months into 2020, but it’s never too early to start planning your calendar, registering for new PD opportunities, and checking off those boxes! Whether it’s trying your hand at writing a blog post as an Occasional Blogger on our blog, virtually attending one our webinars, or having face-to-face connections at an affiliate workshop, there are so many ways to keep learning about the field, share your passion, and add up those hours.

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