Why we need to keep our ESL departments open

I have taught English language learners at postsecondary institutions for close to fifteen years. In that time, there has been a remarkable change in technology and pedagogical approaches, but the core teaching goal remains the same: to help students negotiate their lives confidently in English.

What does that mean? Well, everything from grocery shopping to buying a car, conversing with people on the street, writing a persuasive work memo or job application, reading and understanding legal and financial documents, thinking critically about the news and social media, crafting strategic emails, using discussion strategies, communicating with co-workers, and importantly, building awareness of and respecting other languages and cultures. The value to students is limitless and the rewards for teachers are immense.

Nevertheless, these programs are at risk across the province. George Brown College is closing its renowned School of ESL after 55 years. It cites a perfect storm of factors affecting the college sector, including the federal government’s cap on international students (who bring in more lucrative fees than domestic students) and insufficient funding from both governmental and private sources.

The pending closure is deeply distressing for students, not to mention the faculty and staff who have worked together to make the school the warm, welcoming, and vibrant community that it has become. Its student success program, run by the indefatigable, selfless, and passionate Dorothy Van Grootheest, is second to none. It offers a wide range of social events, day trips, extracurricular activities, award ceremonies, cultural celebrations, and student volunteer programs. A quick look at their Instagram page reveals smiling students from a mix of cultures collaborating and building connections. How do we put a price tag on that?

And just think for a moment about how pivotal it is to learn English to navigate and embrace the increasingly prevalent AI landscape, a fact that Sam Colley drives home in “English is the language of AI – why teaching it matters”:

“AI is a field that thrives on collaboration and the sharing of knowledge. Researchers, developers, and engineers worldwide contribute to the collective advancement of AI technologies. English is the common linguistic thread that binds this global community together, enabling seamless communication and collaboration among these diverse professionals.

By teaching English, we empower individuals from various linguistic backgrounds to participate in global research projects, attend international conferences and publish their findings in widely accessible journals. This global exchange of ideas not only accelerates the pace of AI innovation but ensures that advancements are inclusive and representative of a wide array of perspectives.”

I’ve been lucky enough to watch students as they climb through the EAP levels and join the community, emerging with the skills and confidence they need to launch themselves into postsecondary programs, careers, and the inner workings of daily life. 

We need to remember that ESL is more than grammar, reading, and writing. It’s about building connections, meeting people, growing, and acclimatizing. It’s about safeguarding identities, conquering cultural divides, getting jobs, and navigating AI. And it’s about feeling welcomed and supported by our country and its public institutions. Our students deserve nothing less.

Let’s pull out all the stops to save these programs, these lifelines to success for newcomers to our country.