Written by Farnaz Karimian, Member at Large, TESL Ontario Board
My path to the TESL Ontario Board of Directors was not immediate. When I first applied to the TESL Ontario Board of Directors in 2024, I didn’t get elected. But rather than seeing that as a setback, I recognized it as a reflection of the strength and engagement within our field. So I applied again the following year and joined the Board in November 2025, bringing fresh ideas and a broader perspective shaped by a turbulent year in the TESL field.
Over the past few months, my understanding of the role has grown through a range of experiences. I had attended TESL Ontario Annual General Meetings many times in the past (as a TESL ON member and as part of the TESL Toronto executive), but this year felt different. Sitting in the AGM as a Board member, I found myself paying closer attention to the scale and diversity of the TESL Ontario community. Also, being at the annual conference, this time both as a presenter and a Board member, shifted my perspective. I was not only thinking about my own sessions or learning from others, but also reflecting on how the conference, as a whole, supports professional growth and community-building across the province. It reminded me how much knowledge and innovation exists within our field, and how lucky we are as professionals in the field to have access to these resources.
Board meetings, both in-person and online, have shown me how much care and thought goes into decision-making, particularly the kinds of discussions that happen before anything is finalized. I’ve come to appreciate that being on the Board is not about immediately having all the answers or making the biggest contributions right away. It is about being present, understanding the members’ concerns, listening to the Board’s ideas, asking questions, and finding ways to contribute over time. I have found that there is a lot of space to learn, to listen, and to grow into the role.
One of the most impactful parts of my experience so far has been joining the Nominations Committee which plays a key role in reviewing and assessing Board applications, with careful attention to strategic priorities, diversity of perspectives, and the evolving needs of the field. Being part of this process has made me more aware of how intentionally the Board is shaped, and how important it is to ensure a range of voices and experiences are represented at the table.
Going into this role, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I had previous leadership experience, but board governance felt like a different space; one that I am still learning how to navigate. This experience has emphasized that leadership in our field takes many forms. For me, joining the Board has been one way to extend my commitment to English language education, advocate for our members, and contribute to the profession beyond my immediate teaching and academic contexts.
If you are considering putting your name forward for the Board but aren’t sure if you are ready, I would encourage you to take that step. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. What matters is your willingness to be part of the conversation and to contribute to the future of our profession.
Learn more about the TESL Ontario Board and the application process at https://teslontario.org/board-recruitment/.
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