More Than Just a Meeting: Why I Joined the Board and Stayed

Written by Mary Rizzi, Member at Large, TESL Ontario Board

When I first heard the words “Board of Directors,” I pictured stuffy conference rooms, endless spreadsheets, and long discussions about bylaws. That image couldn’t be further from my actual experience. 

Now, as I head into the final year of my second term, I can honestly say that serving on the TESL Ontario Board has been one of the most rewarding parts of my professional journey. 

At first, I wasn’t sure if I had anything to offer at that level. Like many of us, I was focused on my classroom, helping students make sense of grammar, build confidence, and find their voice in English. But over time, I began to realize how much this association had given me: professional development, meaningful connections, and a strong sense of community. Joining the Board felt like a way to give something back. 

What I didn’t expect was how much I would gain in return. 

In the classroom, my focus is often on the present: help students master something like the present perfect. On the Board, my focus shifts to the future of our field. I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to conversations about the challenges we’re facing as a profession, to help shape the annual conference, and to support the programs and benefits that reach teachers and learners across the province. It’s incredibly meaningful to know that those discussions translate into real impact. 

Serving on the Board has also expanded my understanding of leadership. Teaching is leadership, without question, but this is a different kind. I’ve developed skills in strategic planning, non-profit governance, and consensus-building, areas I never encountered in my TESL training. These experiences have made me a more confident advocate for my program, my colleagues, and our profession as a whole. 

And then there are the people. One of the most unexpected and valuable parts of this experience has been the connections I’ve made with passionate, dedicated professionals from across sectors. Those relationships have challenged me, supported me, and reminded me that we’re part of something much bigger than our individual classrooms. 

We often tell our students that language is a tool for empowerment. Serving on the Board has shown me that our professional community can be just as powerful. Being part of TESL Ontario in this way has deepened my sense of purpose, and reinforced why this work matters. 

If you’ve ever considered getting involved, I encourage you to take that step. You might be surprised, as I was, by where it leads. 
 
Learn more about the TESL Ontario Board and the application process at https://teslontario.org/board-recruitment/.