Committees
Our volunteer, member-run committees are the driving workforce behind many of our events and services. Without our committees, the visions and goals set at the Board level would never become a reality.
Each committee is made up of individuals with varied backgrounds and experience, from different teaching sectors and affiliates chapters. Each committee is composed of a chairperson and one or more members. The number of committee members is dependent on the type of planning and work the committee does. The scope and nature of the committee’s work determine the membership composition of the committee. Each committee member commits to a 2-3 year term with a possibility of renewal for another 2-3 year term. Committee members must be able to commit to attending scheduled virtual meetings on a regular basis as arranged by the committee. The dates and times of all committee meetings are determined by committee members’ availability.
TESL Ontario committees are typically working committees. Members are tasked with committee assignments and are asked to contribute knowledge and expertise to committee discussions. Committee members should have an adequate level of comfort with technology to collaborate in a virtual setting.
Committees and their Terms of Reference
Accreditation Standards Committee
Mandate
To support TESL Ontario in establishing and advancing accreditation standards, and provide consultation on accreditation-related initiatives and issues.
Committee Members
- Karen Evans, Chair
- Narjis Ahmed
- Sven Greve
- Jennifer Jones
- Allison Keown
- Maha Bazzi
- Faith Marcel
- Reza Mazloom-Farzaghy
- Sharon Rajabi
- Antonella Valeo
Colleges & Universities Committee
Mandate
To develop leadership for professional development and practice among English language and TESOL educators working in both the college and university sectors.
Committee Members
- Danielle Freitas, Chair
- Shaun Dass
- Alex Harchenko
- William (Bill) Hodges
- Allison Keown
- Plamen Kushkiev
- Mitra Rabiee
- Parisa Nafissi Rad
- Ivan Su
Conference Committee
Mandate
- To plan and organize a multi-day, multi-faceted educational conference experience for individuals involved in the English Language training and adult ESL fields in Ontario.
- To represent the education and training needs of the TESL community in the design and development of TESL Ontario’s annual conference.
Committee Members
- Tayebeh Shalmani, Chair
- April Barlow
- Paramita Dutta
- Carol Essenburg
- Dave Fraser
- Kevin Gamble
- Mohsen Jazeb
- Allison Keown
- Irene Lardizabal
- Reza Mazloom-Farzaghy
- James Papple
- Patricia Patel
Advocacy Advisory Committee
Mandate
- To strengthen TESL Ontario’s role as an advocate for language educators and the learners they serve by supporting strategic engagement with government, sector partners, and members.
- To provide insights and guidance that help position TESL Ontario as a collaborative and informed voice in policy discussions, funding decisions, and public conversations affecting language education in Ontario.
- To support TESL Ontario’s advocacy efforts by contributing to awareness of emerging issues, fostering stakeholder relationships, and promoting the value of language education within the broader settlement and education systems.
Committee Members
- Sheila Carson
- Brandon De Barros
- Dave Fraser
- Farnaz Karimian
- Allison Keown
- Jennifer McKay
- Ali Noori
- Dr. Shakina Rajendram
- Art Rekhtin
- Stephanie Samboo
Research Advisory Committee
Mandate
The mandate of the Research Advisory Committee is to support and encourage research and scholarship at all levels of the TESL Ontario association and community of practice, within a broad framework of theoretical and methodological diversity and inclusive, equitable and ethical research practice.
Specifically, the committee will:
- Provide input and direction to assist the association with identifying areas of focus for meaningful research activities;
- Offer recommendations for research projects and provide direction to ensure desired results;
- Help identify funding opportunities;
- Support mobilization and synthesis of insights and implications from empirical research and scholarship in Canada and beyond;
- Cultivate and strengthen research-practice partnerships, networks and professional relationships.
Committee Members
- Danielle Freitas
- Mohsen Jazeb
- Allison Keown
- Patricia Patel
- Mohammad Rahimi
- Areej Tayem
- Kelsey Ulrich-Verslycken
- Kanika Verma
Serve on a TESL Ontario Committee
Members who would like to express their interest in volunteering for a TESL Ontario working committee are encouraged to submit the “Expression of Interest in Joining a TESL Ontario Committee” form.
Please note that different committees may have different application processes and requirements.
