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.

Distinguished Contribution Award Nomination

Award Overview
Nominees must have demonstrated commitment to the English language training profession over a minimum of 15 years. In addition, they must have made significant volunteer contributions and a commitment to advance the English language educational sector and/or profession.

Nominee Qualifications

• Nominees must have displayed a longstanding commitment to the profession over a period of at least 15 years.
• Nominees must have made a significant contribution to the advancement of the English language training profession.
• Nominees should have volunteer experience in the field of English language teaching and learning.
• Evidence of nominee’s exceptional contribution will be evaluated through a rating system.

Nomination Letters:

Nominations must include one nomination letter and one letter of support.

Nomination Process:

1. Identify a nominee and confirm with the individual that they are willing to be nominated.
2. Write a nomination letter stating clearly why this nominee should be considered for a Distinguished Contribution Award.
   • The letter should cite specific examples of when the individual demonstrated why they should be considered for this award.
   • The letter should be no more than 3 pages long, single-sided, double-spaced using a font size of 10.
   • Nominator and supporting nominator’s letters (see below) must include different examples.
   • The nominator must provide their full name, place of employment (if applicable), contact information and signature.
3. Find minimum one other individual to support your nomination.
   • Each supporting nominator must write a short letter, including an example(s) of the nominees outstanding commitment.
   • The letter should be no more than one page, double-spaced, single sided.
   • The letters should express the reason or reasons why the individual is being nominated.
   • Nominator and supporting nominator’s letters must include different examples.
   • The supporting nominator must provide their full name, place of employment (if applicable), contact information and signature.
4. Complete a Nomination form that provides the name, place of employment and contact information for the person being nominated.
   • Nomination letter and supporting nomination letter must be included with the Nomination form.
   • Nomination forms can be found at
     https://teslontario.formstack.com/forms/distinguished_contribution_award_nomination_form_2025
   • The nomination form should provide concrete examples of the nominee’s contributions in the areas of volunteerism, mentorship, leadership, guidance to others in the profession, as well as participation and involvement in the community such as multicultural festivals and events, immigrant agencies, specific work with new Canadians, etc. Other important considerations include sector-based research, advisory committees, resource development and public administration roles.
5. Nominations must be received with all supporting documentation on or before September 12, 2025.
6. All nominations will be considered by a panel comprised of the TESL Ontario Board of Directors.
7. A maximum of one nominee will be selected to be honoured with the TESL Ontario Distinguished Contribution Award at the TESL Ontario annual conference (to be held in November 2025). If no suitable nominees are submitted, the award will not be presented.
8. Only successful nominees will be notified.
9. Successful candidates may be contacted by media (newspapers, radio, television, online) for interviews about the award. These interviews will be facilitated by TESL Ontario`s public relations specialist.
10. Distinguished Contribution award winner’s name and biography will be posted on the TESL Ontario website and social media platforms, as well as in TESL Ontario publications where appropriate.

For questions or more information, please contact:
Dave Fraser
Manager, Member Engagement & Communications
dave.fraser@teslontario.org

Previous Years’ Recipients