Hello, members and workshop attenders!
Your TESL Windsor executive board is interested in getting your input regarding the idea of charging a small amount for PD events in order that we might bring you the higher demand presenters while also providing food and / or to offset the cost of renting a nicer venue.
The survey has only three questions and should not take more than one or two minutes to complete. Seriously, it's that short.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FXTYX35
Thank you for your time!

Come enjoy camaraderie with fellow educators. See old friends and make new ones! Rino's is farm-to-table set in a charming Craftsman style house with a great menu offering something for everyone, including craft brews. There is free parking off of Pelissier south of Elliott, but you must approach from the south, as it's a one-way street. We hope to see you!

Remember all those issues of Contact Magazine you didn't have time to finish reading when they came out? If you have a little more time on your hands in the summer months, now is the perfect time to catch up on all those excellent articles pertinent to our jobs as ESL instructors here in Ontario. 

Are you enjoying the summer off or are you one of those who must teach throughout the year or patch together extra hours at this time? Behind the scenes, your TESL Windsor executive is hard at work to bring you professional development opportunities of value.

President Margaret Holec met today with Dr. Karamjeet ("Karmie") Dhillon and Alex from the Centre for School Mental Heath at Western University; the meeting went well. They discussed how TESL Windsor can collaborate and share expertise with this Western U team that is starting a research project on "Newcomers and Healthy Relationships Programming." Stay tuned to find out how we will work together with Alex and Karmie in the future!

Here is some news for those of us affected by the setting and maintaining of professional standards in our field. Which certification or accreditation is required by each service provider organization around Ontario? What is required by the funder of each program? How much leeway should employers have when it comes to enforcing such standards?  If you are an employer, teacher, or teacher trainer, this article may be of interest to you. It at least sheds light on where we stand today.

Almost twenty educators came out for the IELTS two-day training last week. Participants received valuable information and tips to help them teach IELTS test prep. Those who completed both days received certificates from British Council. If you missed this opportunity and would like the TESL Windsor board to host another session in the future, comment below or contact a board member using the EXECUTIVE menu tab at the top of this website. If we get enough people on an 'interest' list, we will let everyone know.

It has been six years since our profession lost an incredible supporter and passionate teacher, Barbara Simpson. Each year, in honour of her memory, those who knew her and some who did not have that privilege come together for a walk in beautiful surroundings. ​​This year we will meet at 10:30 at Ojibway Park on Saturday, June 15th. Please consider joining us. It is always a lovely time. Bring suitable attire and footwear for the weather and condition of unpaved footpaths.

For those who wish to linger and socialize over a picnic lunch, Ojibway has outdoor tables.

​Does it seem like it just takes too long between TESL PD or workshop events? And when it’s finally time for our bi-annual workshops, does it just seem to drag at times?  If the answer is YES to either one, your TESL Windsor Executive would like to propose a rejuvenating remedy for these workshop woes.

We would like to invite you to join us for activities in and around town that will enhance collegiality and networking among members of our local Affiliate. These social ventures will also promote multiculturalism, while discovering different venues and services within Windsor-Essex County. For instance, we can facilitate Windsor Language Exchange at Craft Heads Brewery for one evening, we can attend a chocolate-making and tasting workshop at Sweetness, or we can jump in on the Eid or Chinese New Year festivities in one of the restaurants that offer dinner for such special celebrations. There’s a myriad of activities we can partake in! Together we can explore them and have a great time in doing so!

For starters, we have come up with a few potential names for this concept. We need your help in picking the one you like most. Please let us know by taking the poll. We’ll announce the name that ends up being the favourite, along with our first venture. The names are in the survey below.

If you come up with another name, or have something else in mind, please don’t hesitate to jump into the fray along with your ideas. Your input is much appreciated!
We look forward to hearing from you… and spending some time with you!

Yours Truly,
Your TESL Windsor Executive

Your TESL Windsor Executive Board wants to know if there is enough interest in IELTS test preparation to warrant hosting a free workshop for teachers. Please complete this survey so we can gauge the level of interest.
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British Council is pleased to offer its IELTS Teacher Training Workshop on a Saturday,  from 9:00am to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from  9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  This Two-days IELTS Teacher Training workshop is designed for teachers who are already teaching IELTS classes, as well as for ESL instructors who wish to teach IELTS classes in the future. This workshop is not for IELTS Examiners.
The aim of the workshop is to prepare trainees to teach IELTS classes effectively. To achieve this aim, the workshop is designed with practical ideas and materials, and provides top tips and classroom activities participants can use in their classrooms. Participants who complete all four Modules (Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking) will get a Certificate of Attendance from British Council which is accepted by TESL ON for 10 PD hours.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is Canada's preferred high stakes English test. Trusted by over 400 Canadian organizations, it was the first test to be recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Immigration Quebec as proof of English language proficiency for Express Entry and other government programs. Visit IELTS.ca for more information.