Need to find a carpool to the fall conference? Want to buy, sell, or trade that used text book? Wish TESL Windsor had a suggestion box? Want to tell others of a job opening at your centre? Well, you're in luck!

Recently a TESL Windsor member was asking around to see who is planning to go to the TESL Ontario conference this fall in Toronto. This prompted us think about how great it would be to have a forum or bulletin board space right here on this web site where members can communicate with one another.

Check it out today by clicking the FORUM tab in the top menu. You can participate in an existing thread or start a new conversation under any of the default areas. If your question or comment does not fit under any of these, there is an off-topic section, as well.

Enjoy!

Let's celebrate your dedication, enthusiasm & compassion 
     
It is important to recognize the dedication and commitment of Ontario's English language educators to their profession, learners and communities.  Help us recognize your colleagues and staff members for their outstanding contributions to this proud profession by nominating them for one of the following awards.

TESL Ontario Distinguished Contribution Award

2014 Distinguished Contribution Award Recipient: Sheila Carson
The TESL Ontario Distinguished Contribution Award is designed to recognize and honour the significant long-term achievements and contributions made to the advancement of English language educators, the English language training sector and/or TESL Ontario.  

Each year TESL Ontario presents up to 3 TESL Ontario Distinguished Contributions Awards.  

2014 Distinguished Contribution Award Recipient: Velma Lang

Nomination Deadline: September 4, 2015  

Nomination Overview:
 
Nominees must have demonstrated their commitment to the English language training profession over a minimum of 12 years, in addition to making a significant contribution to advance the English language educational sector and/or profession. 
Nominee Qualifications:  

2014 Distinguished Contribution Award Recipient: Joanne Hincks 

1. Nominees must have made a significant contribution to the advancement of the English language training profession beyond the scope of the individual's day to day job responsibilities.
2. Nominees must have displayed a long standing commitment to the profession over a period of at least 12 years.
3. Nominees must achieve a minimum of 85% of the total score available through the judging process in order to then qualify for final consideration to receive the Distinguished Contribution Award.

All nominations must be submitted using the online nomination form.  
 
The TESL Ontario Board of Directors may also submit nominations. All nominations submitted by the Board will be subjected to the same nomination and judging process as nominations submitted by the general membership.
 
If you would like to nominate a colleague for this prestigious award please review the nomination guidelines and nomination submission requirements on our website at: http://www.teslontario.net/distinguished-contribution-award.  

TESL Ontario Sparks of Excellence Award
  
2014 Sparks of Excellence Award Recipient:
Suma Balagopal
The TESL Ontario Sparks of Excellence Award is designed to recognize and acknowledge the excellence and commitment of TESL Ontario members.

2014 Sparks of Excellence Award Recipient: 
Susan Richarz

TESL Ontario presents two Sparks of Excellence Awards annually to members who go the extra mile to provide their students with an exceptional educational experience, or who play a vital leadership / mentoring role for colleagues or student teachers in their workplace.  

Nomination Deadline: September 4, 2015

Nomination Overview:

Nominees must have demonstrated their commitment to the ESL profession in one of the following ways:

• By providing an outstanding educational experience to their students, or
• By demonstrating exceptional leadership/mentoring expertise towards colleagues and/or student teachers in their work place.

Nominee Qualifications:
 

1. Nominees must currently be employed in a language training program in Ontario.
2. Nominees must be members of TESL Ontario in good standing.
3. Nominees must have been involved in the ESL profession in either an instructor or administrative capacity for a minimum of three years.
4. The nominees extraordinary commitment must exceed minimum expectations for the completion of their duties of their day-to-day employment. 

All nominations must be submitted using the online nomination form and will be considered by a panel of judges appointed by TESL Ontario who represent a wide range of language training professionals

Detailed information regarding qualifications, nominations and the award process can be found on our website at: http://www.teslontario.net/sparks-of-excellence-award.  
             
Help Spread the Word with the
Sparks of Excellence Award Poster
  
Help TESL Ontario encourage its members to submit nominations for outstanding individuals who they feel should be recognized for going above and beyond the day to day duties of their jobs, by printing the Sparks of Excellence Award poster and displaying it in your staff rooms. 

Click here to download the poster.