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Member Representation

TESL Ontario strives to represent and support our members by engaging in initiatives, partnerships, and collaborative efforts that highlight the importance of language education and the vital role of language educators. Here, you’ll find information about how we are working to address industry challenges and support the success of our profession across Ontario.

Maria Merecoulias

Addressing the Impact of IRCC Funding Cuts

TESL Ontario is committed to addressing the impact of IRCC’s funding cuts on language education programs, educators, and newcomers. To support these efforts, we have submitted letters and statements outlining our concerns and have provided a letter template for members to contact their MPs. Learn more about our efforts and how you can get involved.

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TESL Ontario is working to address the impact of IRCC’s funding cuts on language education programs, educators, and newcomers. Below, you’ll find our open statement, our letter to Minister Marc Miller, and a template for members to contact their MPs. We encourage you to explore these resources and join us in raising awareness about the critical role of language education. Stay tuned for updates on our next steps in this ongoing effort.

Working Toward Wage Equity in ESL Education

ESL educators play a vital role in newcomer success, yet many face inconsistent wages, lack of benefits, and job insecurity—even within government-funded programs. In collaboration with our TESL counterparts across Canada, TESL Ontario is representing members in the field to push for fair compensation and greater job stability.

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Bei Zhang

TESL Ontario is working to represent language educators, who face challenges such as inconsistent wages, lack of benefits, and job insecurity, even within government-funded programs. In collaboration with TESL organizations across the country, we are engaging with the federal government (IRCC) to address these issues. Below, you’ll find key documents outlining our efforts, including our letter to Minister Marc Miller, his response, and our reply. Stay informed about the next steps as we continue pushing for meaningful change.

  • Joint letter to Minister Marc Miller – February 2024
  • Minister Marc Miller response letter – December 2024
  • Joint response letter to Minister Marc Miller – January 2025
  • Next Steps:
    • Gather information on the principles and criteria used in negotiating salary/wage contributions with SPOs to create an information sheet for Program Managers on including wage increases in funding applications.
    • Obtain and assess the National Sector Compensation Review to further support our advocacy efforts.
    • Continue advocating for a seat at the table in stakeholder consultations.
    • Seek funding for a research project aimed at supporting improved and equitable salaries.
Maria Merecoulias

Recognition of Language Educators in National Occupational Classification (NOC)

TESL Ontario has been actively working to gain recognition for adult language educators in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Thanks to our efforts, Language Instructor – Language School has been added under NOC 4021 – College and Other Vocational Instructors, helping to validate the profession and improve access to employment-related benefits.

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TESL Ontario has been working diligently to ensure adult language educators are appropriately recognized in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). We’ve included a link to our member email outlining the history of our work, the recent NOC resolution.

Shaping Conversations: Member Feedback & Government Engagement

TESL Ontario represents its members by gathering their feedback and sharing insights with government representatives to help shape annual conference sessions including the government panel discussion and program administrator’s meeting. These sessions offer members a direct opportunity to engage with funders, ask critical questions, and address sector challenges.

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Bei Zhang

At TESL Ontario, we are committed to ensuring our members’ voices are heard. Through collaboration with government representatives, we shape annual conference sessions including the government panel discussion and program administrator’s meeting, to address key sector challenges. We actively gather member feedback through surveys and consultations to ensure these discussions reflect the real concerns of the TESL community. On this page, you’ll find details about our role in the process, how we collect and use feedback, and how you can get involved to help guide future conversations.

Your Feedback in Action:

  • Gathering Member Feedback – Each year, we survey key stakeholders in our community to identify challenges affecting program management, language instructors, and English language learners. Anonymous responses are analyzed, and the most pressing concerns are shared with ministry representatives.
  • Panel Discussion Planning – Member feedback helps shape the annual government panel discussion at our conference. The insights we collect guide ministry representatives in tailoring their presentations to address sector challenges. TESL Ontario also uses this feedback to develop targeted questions for the facilitated discussion, ensuring that key concerns from a broad range of members are addressed.
  • Program Administrators’ Meeting Planning – Feedback is also used to identify relevant topics for the program administrators’ meeting. This session provides a space to explore best practices, share insights, and collaborate on solutions to pressing issues in program management.
  • Share Your Voice – Participate in member surveys to provide valuable insights that shape our member representation efforts and strengthen our discussions with ministry representatives.