One of the standout features of the TESL Ontario Annual Conference 2025 (Nov 19–21) will be its two powerful keynote addresses, which promise to set the tone for deep reflection and professional growth. The first keynote, “Developing Strategies to Address GenAI Issues” (Vicky Saumell), will guide us through the fascinating—and often fraught—territory of generative AI in English language teaching. From lesson planning and content creation to personalized learning and accessibility, Vicky will demystify how GenAI works, draw attention to its moral and practical dilemmas, and offer concrete strategies to respond thoughtfully.
The second keynote, “Emotional Labour and Identity in Language Teacher Lives” (Dr. Christina Gkonou), will shift our focus inward, inviting us to attend to the emotional fabric of being a language educator. In this talk, Dr. Gkonou explores how teachers manage the hidden emotional labour of their work—balancing institutional demands, student expectations, and their professional self-concepts. She’ll weave in identity theory to show how emotions actively shape teacher identities, and encourage attendees to reflect on their own emotional journeys and support structures.
Together, these two keynotes encapsulate a central tension in contemporary language teaching: the interplay of cutting-edge technological possibilities and the deeply human, emotional undercurrents of pedagogy. They promise not only to challenge our assumptions but also to energize our thinking about sustainable, ethical, and humane practices in ELT. Whether you come to get inspired, to interrogate your own practice, or to make connections with colleagues, these sessions are sure to be anchors of the conference experience.
We look forward to seeing you online for the TESL Ontario Annual Conference! Registration and full program details are available at https://teslontario.org/conference/.
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