Written by Matthew McGravey, Member at Large, TESL Ontario Board
I have been involved in TESL for over a decade now. Over this period, the different roles that I have occupied have given me unique perspectives on both the industry and of the various learning contexts (e.g., LINC, post-secondary) that comprise us. I would like to share some perspective on this journey, of where I have been, and where I am going. The journey from Chapter Executive to TESL Ontario Board has had bumps along the way, but like so many of us in this industry, I am still here, still devoted to service in our community and industry, whatever that may bring from day to day.
From Member-at-large to Chapter President
In 2015, I joined TESL Durham, a relatively tiny chapter comprising a large geographic area all the way from Pickering to Brighton along Lake Ontario, and up to the Kawartha Lakes in the north. Initially, like so many of us, I took on a position as a member-at-large in the TESL Durham Executive. Very quickly, I was asked to run for Chapter President, but alas, I was not ready. After a couple of years, that position opened, and I ran (and won nomination!). I was in!
Being Chapter President was great at that time of my life. From running the in-person events (at that time) to choosing speakers and venues, I enjoyed these tasks immensely. Working with a close-knit Chapter Executive, we met regularly to plan and prepare and make the most out of any sessions that we offered to our membership. Although there were challenges and occasional issues with seeing eye-to-eye, we were always able to reach consensus and do what was best for our members. I especially liked the TESL Ontario Annual Conference, in which the Chapter Presidents would share with each other details of their events and updates on their Chapter’s operations. I was always proud to share consistent membership growth in the Durham Region and our exciting events. I remain proud of what we achieved in Durham in those years!
Like so many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic changed direction for me. No longer employed as an EAP (English for Academic Purposes) Instructor at a university, I began my retreat from the industry as I focused on the birth of my children, finding piecemeal work and my graduate studies. I walked away from the Chapter President position in 2021, but I always felt that perhaps this had been too hasty.
Return to TESL
Last year, when the chance to run for TESL Ontario Board member came up, I was excited to dip my toes back in the sand. I was driven by an immense desire to help get involved in an industry facing immense challenges for students, staff, and instructors alike. I could no longer sit back idle and not be involved, I wanted to lend my skills and experience to TESL Ontario in any way I could. Governance at the board level was therefore a natural progression given my experience at the Chapter level.
Although there has been a learning curve, being on the TESL Ontario Board allows one to gain a high-level perspective of Chapters, policies, and even human experiences. Our diverse group of board members brings a wealth of experience and perspectives that I truly value and appreciate. Getting to meet and work closely with this group of individuals allows me to understand the various contexts, organizations, and roles that make this industry so multifaceted. With the Chapter level, I mostly worked closely with colleagues and community members in the Durham Region. With the TESL Ontario Board, I have gotten to interact with members stretching across the province, often in completely different roles other than those I have occupied.
In Closing
Serving as a TESL Board member has just started. It would be foolish to give an evaluation of this overall experience thus far. However, I can say that I am excited to continue to serve my term to this organization to the best of my ability. I am thankful for every single experience I have had since I started teaching in this industry at a small private language school in Toronto in 2010. Governance has been an essential part of the bigger picture for me. From Chapter to Provincial level, it has allowed me to do what is more important for any leader: listen. Listening to colleagues, fellow board members, and of course, our students is essential for steering our collective ship in the years to come. I am confident that by doing that, we can take the best possible actions to find solutions forward as we navigate these times.
Learn more about the TESL Ontario Board and the application process at https://teslontario.org/board-recruitment/.
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