TESL Canada meets the professional needs of ESL educators across Canada in the following ways:
TESL Canada Board
TESL Canada is a non-profit national federation that is governed by the TESL Canada Board which consists of an elected Executive, 5 Elected Directors and one appointed representative from each of the member provincial/territorial associations. The term of office served by an appointed Director is at the discretion of his or her provincial/territorial association. An appointed Director’s vote is equal to the vote cast by an Elected Director or a member of the Executive. All appointed Directors are expected to serve on one or more of the TESL Canada Committees and are encouraged to consider running for elected office.
TESL Canada Journal
The online TESL Canada Journal is a refereed journal for ESL practitioners, teacher educators, graduate students and researchers. The Journal Advisory Committee [JAC] advises and supports the publication of the journal. The journal invites the submission of unpublished manuscripts about the learning and teaching of official languages; subsequent language teacher education; and the maintenance and development of minority, heritage, or aboriginal languages. The journal includes both regular and special theme editions and is published twice a year with the view to publish three issues per year in the future.
TESL Canada Educational Foundation
The TESL Canada Educational Foundation (TCEF) was established by TESL Canada under the provisions of the Income Tax Act as a charitable foundation to fund, facilitate, promote and support the advancement of the learning of English as an additional language. It accomplishes this goal in part by providing eligible members with travel grants and conference fee waivers TCEF Conference Participation Grant.
TESL Canada Professional Development
Excellent professional development opportunities and conferences are offered across the country by TESL Canada provincial partners as well as other TESL organizations. Conferences are posted on the TESL Canada website and in the TESL Canada Connects newsletter.
The TESL Canada Connects newsletter provides updates on programs, research and innovation in the field of TESL across the country as well as links to resources and conference information.
The TESL Canada Teachers’ Resource Centre (TRC) was launched in September 2009 and includes online resources for ESL educators across Canada. It provides an opportunity for TESL Canada members to access a wide range of online resources on the TESL Canada website www.tesl.ca.
Group Benefits Plan
Members of Teachers of English as a Second Language Canada have access to an exclusive Group Benefits plan. Learn more about the plan here and how easy it is to join the plan without the requirement of a medical. Contact Brunswick Financial Group at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about plan details and enrollment including life insurance, drug plan, vision, extended health, travel, dental coverage and more.
Click here for the agreement of TESL Canada to market Aviva General's home and automobile insurance to TESL Canada's members and find more information here.
National Standards for Professional Certification and Teacher Training Program Recognition
TESL Canada administers national standards for professional certification for ESL teachers and ESL teacher training program recognition. The TESL Canada standards for professional certification and teacher training program recognition are known and respected nationally and are currently used as the standard for professional certification for employment by Languages Canada and provincial LINC and ELSA programs. The Standards Advisory Committee advises the TESL Canada on standards the national professional certification and teacher training program recognition. The Standards Committee is also responsible for “Ethical Guidelines for English as a Second Language Professionals” and the TESL Canada Professional Directory. The “Ethical Guidelines for English as A Second Language Professionals” and the TESL Canada Professional Directory are on the TESL Canada Website www.tesl.ca.
TESL Canada Bulletin
On a regular basis, members receive updates from the President through the TESL Canada Bulletin which includes information for members on the work of TESL Canada and on additional benefits such as Professional Learning Bursaries and Teaching Awards.
TESL Canada Exemplary Teaching Award
In collaboration with our Provincial Partners and in coordination with provincial professional learning events, TESL Canada recognizes exemplary contributions to the field of TESL through this special recognition. Nomination forms will be distributed through the provinces and all TESL Canada members are eligible.
TESL Canada Honorary Life Member Awards
The TESL Canada Honorary Life Member Award was established to honor TESL Canada members who have made exemplary contributions to TESL in Canada. TESL Canada Honorary Life Members have provided outstanding service over a period of not less than 20 years. The Award honors those who have shown leadership in both the workplace and the community in one or more of the following areas; academic, vocational, sociocultural and linguistic instruction, cross cultural counseling, labor market access training, citizenship training and multicultural liaison.
Joining TESL Canada
Applicants in Canada must be members of a TESL Canada Provincial or Territorial Organization, i.e. ATESL, TESL Saskatchewan, TEAL Manitoba, TEAM Manitoba, TESL New Brunswick, TESL Nova Scotia and TESL Newfoundland/Labrador. Members of provincial associations that are listed above are also TESL Canada members.
Applicants applying from British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut can choose to become a member of TESL Canada directly. TESL Canada Individual Membership is valid for one year.
International applicants can apply for TESL Canada International membership. TESL Canada membership fee is US$62.00 for residents outside of Canada and United States and US$58.00 for international applicants resident in the United States.
TESL Canada Direct Membership (Now available in British Columbia, Ontario, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island and Quebec)
Paper Form
Electronic Form
TESL Canada International membership (Available for individuals living outside of Canada)
Paper Form
Provincial TESL Associations
ATESL (Alberta)
TESL SK (Saskatchewan)
Manitoba- TEAL (Manitoba)
Manitoba- TEAM (Manitoba)
TESL NB (New Brunswick)
TESL NS (Nova Scotia)
TESL NL (Newfoundland and Labrador)