Written by Christopher Smrke, Member at Large, TESL Ontario Board
With over 16 years of experience in a variety of contexts from LINC to private ESL and from the classroom to administrative duties, I decided it was time to apply to the TESL Ontario Board for the 2025-2026 year. As soon as I was notified that I had been voted in, I felt both joy and a little fear. Even though I had served on a Chapter executive for 6 years, I still had some questions about exactly how this would be different and what I could bring to the board that wasn’t already there.
What I knew was that it wouldn’t be exactly the same as my Chapter experience: I wouldn’t be organizing and planning events. I had a wonderful time doing that on the Chapter executive, but I was ready for something new. I was ready to further expand my knowledge about the issues affecting our industry and lend my insights to the discussion of what solutions might be possible.
From the first meeting of the board, I knew that this experience was going to be something that I would neither forget nor regret. All of the board members were kind and welcoming, offering words of wisdom and support for us, the new members that seemed a little uncertain. In board meetings, members were given space to voice their ideas and ask questions. These questions were sometimes uncomfortable, especially when the answers were “I don’t really know” or “because that’s how it’s always been done,” but that also allowed board members to take stock and really look at the current models in place to analyze their affordances and limitations, and then move forward with more openness in our discussions.
The concern I had that my perspective and experience wouldn’t be helpful quickly evaporated as I participated in meetings. The jobs and roles we have taken on give each member a different set of considerations that add value to every discussion. Even if the majority of the board agrees about a particular point, the reasons for that agreement can sometimes be vastly different, and it all helps the board increase their ability to review policy that will guide the organization with the best interests of all of the membership in mind. Now when I read the news or fall down an information rabbit hole, I find myself considering how far the impacts might be felt across the whole sector, and not just sections I have direct contact with. This broadening of perspective has become useful in all parts of my academic life.
The TESL Ontario board is also an excellent place to develop and improve the skills you already have. In my first year, I joined the Nominations Committee and took on the role of committee chair. I had previous experience looking for candidates for different roles, but this opportunity allowed me to improve on the experience I already had by adding more project-management-style elements to the process and working with a larger team to make decisions. No matter what committee you join, you’ll find that it’s a reciprocal benefit – you add your experience and perspective to a group of like-minded colleagues, and you broaden your knowledge and experience.
I have loved every moment and experience on the TESL Ontario board. I am so thankful to have this opportunity to help guide our community – especially with the 2023-2027 strategic plan coming to a close and a new strategic plan on the horizon, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a way to give back.
If you’ve ever thought about adding your voice and perspective to the community, please consider applying to the TESL Ontario board. We need diverse perspectives to ensure that all of our membership is represented, and the experience you’ll have will stay with you long after your term has ended.
Learn more about the TESL Ontario Board and the application process at https://teslontario.org/board-recruitment/.
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