About Us
The TESL Ontario Blog is a space created by TESL educators, for TESL educators. Since 2014, it has grown into a vibrant hub where language educators share perspectives, resources, and experiences to support the language teaching community. Reaching more than 10,000 readers worldwide each month, the blog is run by a volunteer team of TESL Ontario members who share their time, expertise, and passion to the community.
The blog highlights the voices and expertise of our team of language educator guest contributors. Posts feature practical resources, reflections, and stories from the classroom—offering insights that inspire, inform, and support language educators everywhere.
Together, we are building more than a blog, we are building a strong, connected community of educators committed to advancing the field of language teaching.
Our Vision
- To provide resources for TESL Ontario members by TESL Ontario members
- To share experiences and educational tips
- To open up dialogue and enhance learning for both students and educators
Who We Are
The blog is administered by Bei Zhang, Beth Beardall, Gordon Hatt, and Samina Nazar. The blog articles come from a diverse group of Guest Bloggers who post regularly throughout a one-year publishing term that can be renewed each year. We also highlight blogs from the wider TESL Ontario community of occasional bloggers (Guest Contributors).
Our Team
Gordon Hatt
Blog Manager
Gordon Hatt has a background in Art History and worked in the field of public art for 35 years as a curator, visual arts essayist, and arts administrator. After earning his TESL certification, he transitioned into language education. He currently resides in Kitchener and works as an online English coach for the Continuing Education department of Cégep Beauce-Appalaches in St. George, Quebec.
Samina Nazar
Blog Administrator
Samina Nazar currently works as an online ESL instructor, teaching learners across a range of age groups, from children to older adults. She holds MA in Teaching English as Second Language, M.Phil. in Education. Her research focus is on ESL Pedagogy, learner centered instruction, and research informed language teaching practices that enhance accessibility, engagement and language development. Through teaching, research, and community volunteering she aims to contribute to inclusive and meaningful learning experiences.
Maha Bazzi
Blog Administrator
Maha Bazzi is an adult ESL/LINC instructor with a MA in Applied Linguistics (TESL). She has taught learners from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in a variety of educational settings, both online and in person, at levels ranging from advanced English to beginning Literacy. In recent years, her work has focused primarily on adult Literacy learners, further strengthening her commitment to inclusive, learner-centred teaching.
Beyond the classroom, Maha serves as a TESL practicum mentor, supporting future English language educators. She has also been actively involved with TESL Ontario, having previously volunteered with the Directory of ELT Resources and currently serving as a member of the Accreditation Standards Committee.
With a strong interest in educational technology, practical teaching strategies, and professional collaboration, Maha is excited to contribute to the TESL Ontario Blog as Administrator and Co-Editor. She looks forward to supporting contributors, sharing ideas and experiences, and connecting with the broader English language teaching community.
Isil Senturk
Blog Administrator
Isil Senturk recently completed her graduate studies at Queen’s University, specializing in Educational Administration. She holds a BA in Linguistics and an MA in English Language Teaching and has nearly 20 years of experience as a teacher, trainer, and mentor in Canada and abroad. Her ESL teaching experience includes working with university pathway students and teaching in LINC and ELT programs, supporting learners from diverse linguistic, cultural, and professional backgrounds.
She enjoys writing, editing, and working with contributors to share their ideas and experiences. Her role with the TESL Ontario Blog brings together these interests and her longstanding involvement in English language education.