Awards
The TESL community is made up of a vast population of innovative and inspiring thought leaders. These are educators who go above and beyond, who eagerly share their knowledge and skills with colleagues and students and professionals who are keenly invested in learner success and professional excellence.
TESL Ontario’s annual recognition awards allow us to celebrate these members and volunteers for their extraordinary contributions to the TESL profession, and the remarkable advancements they bring to English language education in Ontario and beyond.
Distinguished Contribution Award
Sparks of Excellence Award
Volunteer
of the Year Award
The TESL Ontario Distinguished Contribution Award is designed to recognize and honour the significant long-term achievements and contributions to the advancement of English Language training. This award will reflect the importance of volunteering contributions in the English Language training sector and for TESL Ontario. Previously known as the Silver Pin Award, it was renamed in January 2013 to better reflect the purpose of the award. There will be one recipient chosen every year to receive this award.
2025 Distinguished Contribution Award Recipients
Art Rekhtin
Caledon Community Services, Bolton
For well over 15 years, Art Rekhtin has been a visionary leader in Ontario’s English language education sector—an innovator whose work has transformed programs, tools, and professional practice across the province. As Manager of Newcomer Programs at Caledon Community Services, Art redefined language instruction as a pathway to full participation in Canadian life. His implementation of the HyFlex learning model after the pandemic offered learners the flexibility to attend in-person, online, or both—an innovation that preserved accessibility and community at a critical time. His presentation at the 2024 TESL Ontario Conference and subsequent Contact Magazine article have since guided practitioners across the province in adopting blended learning with purpose and empathy.
Before joining CCS, Art’s forward-thinking leadership at Achev helped modernize the national language assessment landscape. He directed the redevelopment of the Canadian Language Benchmarks Online Self-Assessment (CLB-OSA) tools and introduced the first-ever writing assessment, a resource that became essential during pandemic lockdowns. This work, now a cornerstone of settlement language assessment in Canada, reflects Art’s hallmark combination of foresight, innovation, and deep respect for learner experience.
Art’s contributions to TESL Ontario are equally enduring. Through more than a decade of volunteer service—as Member-at-Large, Secretary, Treasurer, and Affiliate Representative—he helped modernize financial systems, strengthen communication across affiliates, and champion initiatives such as the TESL Ontario Mentorship Series, which has since supported hundreds of new educators. His colleagues consistently describe him as calm, principled, and collaborative—a steady presence whose leadership strengthened the organization during both growth and challenge.
A recipient of an Honourable Mention for Leadership from the Bhayana Family Foundation in 2025, Art continues to model inclusive, community-driven leadership through his work with CCS’s iDREAM Committee and his ongoing mentorship of emerging professionals. Through every role, he has built systems that foster belonging, resilience, and opportunity.
TESL Ontario proudly recognizes Art Rekhtin with the 2025 Distinguished Contribution Award for his exceptional vision, service, and lasting impact on the profession.
Previous Years’ Recipients
| Recipients | Date |
| Art Rekhtin | 19 Nov 2025 |
| David Wood | 12 Nov 2024 |
| Joan Reynolds | 8 Nov 2023 |
| Judith Bond | 26 Oct 2022 |
| Shirley Graham | 3 Nov 2021 |
| James Papple | 3 Nov 2021 |
| Antonella Valeo | 5 Dec 2019 |
| Barbara Dick | 1 Nov 2018 |
| Sheila Nicholas | 2 Nov 2017 |
| Susan Richarz | 2 Nov 2017 |
| Barbara Krukowski | 23 Nov 2016 |
| Jim Jones | 12 Nov 2015 |
| Velma Lang | 17 Oct 2014 |
| Joanne Hincks | 17 Oct 2014 |
| Sheila Carson | 17 Oct 2014 |
| Sharon Rajabi | 25 Oct 2013 |
| John Sivell | 9 Nov 2012 |
| Sheila McMullin | 9 Nov 2012 |
| Karen Evans | 28 Oct 2011 |
| Marta Lee | 28 Oct 2011 |
| Joanne Millard | 29 Oct 2010 |
| Denise Copland | 29 Oct 2010 |
| Clayton Graves | 29 Oct 2010 |
| Cheryl Richman | 29 Oct 2010 |
| Namita Aggarwall | 10 Dec 2009 |
| Susan Bain | 10 Dec 2009 |
| Carolyn Wood | 10 Dec 2009 |
| Sheila Chick | 14 Nov 2008 |
| Gerson Fonseca | 14 Nov 2008 |
| Carolyn Cohen | 14 Nov 2008 |
| Susan Trenhaille | 23 Nov 2007 |
| Abai Coker | 23 Nov 2007 |
| Nancy Pollard | 23 Nov 2007 |
| Christine Nath | 17 Nov 2006 |
| Hanna Cabaj | 17 Nov 2006 |
| Shailja Verma | 18 Nov 2005 |
| Vesna Nikolic | 18 Nov 2005 |
| Sonia Fiorucci-Nicholls | 18 Nov 2005 |
| Susan Holmes | 19 Nov 2004 |
| Pratima Singh | 19 Nov 2004 |
| Loretta Meaker | 19 Nov 2004 |
| Peggy Frederikse | 21 Nov 2003 |
| Margaret Meyers | 21 Nov 2003 |
| Cathy Haghighat | 21 Nov 2003 |
| Arnette Gardiner | 21 Nov 2003 |
| Mary Singeris | 22 Nov 2002 |
| Leslie Sheffer | 22 Nov 2002 |
| Bob Courchene | 22 Nov 2002 |
| Elizabeth Gryte | 23 Nov 2001 |
| Fran Marshall | 23 Nov 2001 |
| Thane Ladner | 23 Nov 2001 |
| Joan Freedman | 23 Nov 2000 |
| Margaret Verma | 23 Nov 2000 |
| Betty Butterworth | 23 Nov 2000 |
| Guenther Zuern | 23 Nov 2000 |
| Esther Podoliak | 23 Nov 2000 |
| Lillian Butowsky | 23 Nov 2000 |
| Edna Rigby | 23 Nov 2000 |
| Margaret Meyers | 24 Nov 1999 |
| Carolyn Eisen | 24 Nov 1999 |
| Mary Lou Eden | 24 Nov 1999 |
| Renate Tilson | 24 Nov 1999 |
| Lynne Gaetz | 24 Nov 1999 |
| Julius Redly | 24 Nov 1999 |
| Suzanne Anderson | 24 Nov 1999 |
| Mary Asselstein | 24 Nov 1999 |
| Ellen Wright | 20 Nov 1998 |
| Elizabeth Taborek | 20 Nov 1998 |
| Louise Temelini’s family | 20 Nov 1997 |
The TESL Ontario Sparks of Excellence Award is designed to recognize and acknowledge the excellence and commitment of TESL Ontario members who provide outstanding educational experiences to their students or who demonstrate exceptional leadership/mentoring expertise towards their colleagues and student teachers in a manner that goes above and beyond the day to day duties of their job.
2025 Sparks of Excellence Award Recipients
Malgorzata (Margaret) Holec
Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor
TESL Ontario proudly recognizes Margaret Holec with the Sparks of Excellence Award for her exceptional dedication to learners, colleagues, and her community. As a LINC instructor and PBLA Lead at UHC – Hub of Opportunities, Margaret has set the standard for excellence in language instruction and assessment. Her leadership in implementing and refining PBLA practices since 2015 has strengthened the quality and integrity of the organization’s programs, while her mentorship and encouragement have inspired professional growth among her peers. Known for her innovation and meticulous attention to detail, she consistently develops tools and resources—such as learner manuals and digital platforms—that enhance learning and accessibility for newcomers.
Beyond the classroom, Margaret exemplifies community engagement and inclusivity. As a long-time volunteer with TESL Windsor, including service as Vice President and President, she has strengthened the professional community through inspired leadership, dynamic events, and expanded outreach. Her commitment to cultural connection extends further through initiatives like founding a youth group for newcomer children, co-hosting the What’s Up Windsor radio program, and establishing language and arts programs that celebrate diversity and multilingualism.
A consummate educator, leader, and community builder, Margaret Holec brings creativity, compassion, and professionalism to everything she does. Her tireless commitment to learners and her vision for inclusive, engaging language education embody the very spirit of the Sparks of Excellence Award.
Catherine (Kate) Maven
Centre for Skills Development Burlington
With more than 15 years of experience as an ESL instructor, Kate has distinguished herself as an educator whose creativity, passion, and generosity continually enrich the TESL community. As a teacher, she engages learners with imaginative lessons that motivate and inspire. Beyond the classroom, Kate has authored several books, including 101 Secrets of Success in Canada and its accompanying workbook, which provide newcomers with practical tools to navigate Canadian culture, education, and workplaces with confidence.
Kate’s commitment to professional development is equally inspiring. Since 2009, she has designed and delivered dynamic TESL workshops—such as Tricks for Teaching Tough Sounds, Boost Your Creative Chi!, and Monday Morning Wake-Ups!—which have been well received at TESL Ontario’s annual conference and affiliate PD events across the province. She also gives back generously as a conference moderator and by freely sharing her lesson materials, games, and ideas with colleagues.
Creative, collaborative, and dedicated, Kate embodies the very spirit of the Sparks of Excellence Award. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on learners, colleagues, and the broader TESL community, and she continues to inspire through her innovative teaching, resource creation, and mentorship.
Previous Years’ Recipients
| Recipients | Date |
| Malgorzata (Margaret) Holec | 2025 |
| Catherine (Kate) Maven | 2025 |
| Anjum Karimi | 2024 |
| Mary MacKeracher | 2024 |
| Alena Stranikova | 2024 |
| Michele Dean | 2023 |
| Marlaina Riggio | 2023 |
| Gonul Turkdogan | 2023 |
| John Allan | 2022 |
| David Hazell | 2022 |
| Teresa Oliwa | 2021 |
| Karolina Gombos | 2021 |
| Bushra Hanna | 2021 |
| Maha El-Otar | 2020 |
| Rudina Jacaj | 2020 |
| Jacqueline Seijo | 2020 |
| Diane McCargar | 2020 |
| Susan Webb | 2019 |
| Catherine Porter | 2019 |
| Alizon Thuot | 2019 |
| Patrick Chan | 2018 |
| Alex MacGregor | 2018 |
| Leslie Belsito | 2018 |
| Diane Ramanathan | 2017 |
| Ruth Engel | 2016 |
| Kelly Morrissey | 2016 |
| Jen Artan | 2015 |
| Susan Richarz | 2014 |
| Suma Balagopal | 2014 |
| Marg Heidebrecht | 2013 |
| Anne MacGregor-O’Neill | 2013 |
| Shabnam Assadollahi | 2012 |
| Ninia Sotto | 2012 |
The TESL Ontario Volunteer of the Year Award, to be introduced in 2025, will celebrate the incredible dedication, selflessness, and positive impact of our volunteers. These individuals embody the spirit of community service and make significant contributions to our organization’s mission. We are honored to highlight their efforts and share their inspiring stories.
2025 Volunteer of the Year Award
Althea Raymond
ILSC Education Group, Toronto
TESL Ontario Webinar Team Manager
The recipient of the inaugural TESL Ontario Volunteer of the Year Award is Althea Raymond.
Since joining the TESL Ontario Webinar Team in 2015 and taking on the role of Moderator Manager in 2021, Althea has demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and professionalism. She has played a central role in strengthening TESL Ontario’s webinar program by training and mentoring new moderators, updating resources, and ensuring that every session is well-organized and smoothly executed.
Her thoughtful coordination, fairness, and commitment to excellence have created a supportive environment for volunteers and presenters, while ensuring educators across the province benefit from high-quality professional development.
Althea consistently goes above and beyond in her volunteer work. Whether stepping in at the last minute to moderate a high-attendance webinar with over 200 participants or providing guidance and support to her team around the clock, she approaches every challenge with calm problem-solving and generosity of spirit. Her professionalism, inclusivity, and innovation have strengthened TESL Ontario’s capacity to deliver meaningful learning opportunities while fostering a sense of community among volunteers and members alike.
Through her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, Althea has made a lasting positive impact on both TESL Ontario and the wider ESL community. She exemplifies the values of dedication, collaboration, and excellence, and we are proud to recognize her as TESL Ontario’s Volunteer of the Year.