Written by April Barlow, TESL Ontario
Coordinator of PD & Digital Engagement
At this year’s TESL Ontario conference, the session Career Conversations brought together a panel of seasoned educators and leaders to reflect on the realities of professional growth in the English Language Teaching (ELT) sector. Moderated by Marianne Kayed, Manager of Continuing & Community Education at the Ottawa Catholic School Board, the discussion offered candid insights into navigating uncertainty, sustaining purpose, and evolving professional identities in a field that is constantly changing.
The panel featured three distinguished voices:
- David Hazell, former Director of the Western English Language Centre at Western University, with two decades of international experience and extensive leadership within TESL Ontario.
- Sukh Kaloe, Team Leader for COSTI’s Enhanced Language Training program, who has built innovative pathways for newcomers while teaching LINC classes part-time.
- Dr. Paramita Dutta, former Program Coordinator at the Halton District School Board, an OCELT-certified educator and researcher passionate about empowering both students and teachers.
Together, they shared stories of resilience, adaptation, and the importance of community in shaping meaningful careers.
The session emphasized resilience, adaptability, and community. Careers in ELT are shaped by continuous learning, sustainable growth, and the courage to explore new opportunities while staying grounded in purpose.
Highlights from the Panel
The panelists reminded us that feeling “stuck” is something almost everyone experiences at some point in their career. Shifts across sectors don’t usually follow a straight line, and those moments of uncertainty often end up being turning points for growth. What helped them move forward? Things like upgrading qualifications, exploring accreditation, joining communities of practice, and broadening networks. Volunteering came up often too—not just as a way to gain visibility, but also to find purpose and build new skills. And perhaps most importantly, they stressed the value of listening to your body and to your peers, recognizing when it’s time to pause or pivot. As one panelist put it, “Figuring out the job market takes time—you learn, relearn, and grow.” The takeaway was clear: professional development and openness to new opportunities are essential tools for navigating transitions.
Of course, burnout and systemic challenges are part of the reality in education. The panelists spoke candidly about the importance of recognizing early signs of fatigue and setting boundaries. That might mean maximizing rest during busy seasons, learning to say no, or paying attention when colleagues notice you’re overextending yourself. When the sense of purpose starts to fade, they encouraged looking for fresh opportunities—whether that’s changing levels, trying out new roles, or shifting contexts. And while not everything is within our control, they emphasized focusing on what is. Even small, daily practices of self-care can make a big difference in sustaining energy and meaning in the work.
David Hazell shared his own journey of immigrating to Canada after working in the UK and Japan. His advice for newcomers to the Canadian ELT sector was practical and encouraging: research the industry landscape, understand qualifications and equivalencies, and explore the PLAR process. Accreditation, he noted, can open doors. He also recommended engaging with TESL Ontario through events and professional development, and even considering supply work to get a feel for different organizations and find the right fit. Flexibility, he added, is key: “You may need several revenue streams for stability. Take a step back and analyze what you might need to adjust from your previous experience.”
Professional development came up again and again—not just as a way to grow, but also as a form of self-care. The panelists acknowledged that capacity varies, and sustainability requires balance. Their advice was to set small, consistent goals, treat self-development as non-negotiable, and apply time management skills at home as well as at work to ensure space for rest and personal priorities.
Sukh Kaloe reflected on how her career across retail and ESL education shaped her professional identity. For her, mentorship and connection with colleagues were central. She encouraged educators to push boundaries, build confidence, and recognize the value of transferable skills. Nurturing relationships across sectors, she said, is key to adaptability and resilience.
With the ELT field constantly evolving, the panelists discussed how to decide what’s worth learning. Their advice was to focus on professional development that’s relevant to your current sector—EAP in universities, PBLA in LINC programs—while also 
recognizing that some skills, like technology, AI, and intercultural communication, transcend sectors. And rather than discarding knowledge that doesn’t feel immediately useful, they suggested storing it away for future contexts. Professional development, they emphasized, should be contextual and purposeful.
Both David and Paramita spoke about the challenges of moving from frontline teaching into coordination and leadership roles. Administration, they noted, requires a different skillset—project management, stakeholder engagement, and even crisis management. Coordinators often juggle multiple hats, balancing teaching, administration, outreach, and sometimes even social media. And they reminded us that management isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. For those considering the transition, their advice was to reflect on motivation, say yes to opportunities, and use them to build networks and relationships. They also acknowledged the reality of imposter syndrome, noting that moving from peer to supervisor takes time.
The conversation wrapped up with practical suggestions for diversifying experience and income. Opportunities like CELPIP rating, IELTS examining, and CELPIP instructor training were highlighted as valuable ways to expand skills and supplement income. Coordinators, they advised, should gain exposure to tools like HARTs and stay current with technology. Early adoption of tech, mentoring peers, and demonstrating skills through teacher training courses were all seen as effective ways to strengthen professional profiles and build resilience.
Closing Reflections
The Career Conversations session highlighted that professional growth in ELT is rarely linear, often challenging, but deeply rewarding. Across their diverse experiences, the panelists emphasized resilience, community, and adaptability. Whether navigating uncertainty, sustaining purpose, or stepping into leadership, their collective wisdom offered a roadmap for educators seeking to grow sustainably while staying true to their passion for teaching and learning.
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