TESL Canada Recognized Teacher Training Programs

March 23, 2020

Dear Teacher Training Programs,

In light of the recent developments with the COVID-19 emergency measures implemented in various provinces, and current and upcoming school and higher education closures, TESL Canada has the following contingency measures for regular classes and practicum placements administered through its accredited programs.

Online synchronous classes delivered through virtual classroom applications such as  Zoom, YouSeeU, Adobe Connect, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, Big Blue Button, join.me, Skype for Business, etc., are considered on a par with face-to-face classes until face-to-face classes resume. Such classes must involve real-time communication between teacher trainers and trainees, and between host teachers, practicum interns, and ESL students. The teaching and learning activities must proceed in real-time.

Online asynchronous classes delivered through the distance education mode, which do not include real-time communication between teachers and students, are considered as hybrid hours, and must be used in conjunction with real-time teaching hours.  Many of our TTP are delivered through a combination of face-to-face and online asynchronous hours, and we leave it to each program’s discretion to work out solutions that would ensure meeting their respective learning outcomes through a balanced use of real-time and asynchronous hours. However, online asynchronous hours are not considered on a par with face-to-face classes for practicum purposes. 

Finally, based on some requests, we will prepare an accreditation endorsement letter for those Teacher Training Programs who require this documentation.  Just let us know and we will try to have that ready early next week. We encourage TTP to communicate with us for any concerns that may arise during these challenging times. Rest assured that TESL Canada will remain at your disposal to support the delivery of your classes and practica.

Sincerely,

Dmitri Priven, Standards Chair

Paula Kristmanson, TESL Canada President

There are many high-quality TESL training programs across Canada dedicated to preparing prospective English language instructors for the challenges of teaching within Canada and abroad. TESL Canada has developed a recognition system for programs which meet the standards for TESL Canada Recognition. The goal is to ensure that instructors receive the best training so that they are able to provide ESL learners in a wide variety of settings with excellent instruction.

TESL Canada List of Recognized Teacher Training Programs

The guidelines outline the requirements in the categories of facilities, resources, qualifications of personnel, institutional accreditation, program content and assessment processes.

The TESL Canada National Program Recognition Standards represent a teacher-driven initiative to create basic, minimum national standards. Some provinces currently have their own program recognition systems in place, and since national and provincial standards for recognition may differ, potential instructor trainees should consult provincial websites to ensure the TESL Canada list is accepted provincially.

TESL Canada recognition of a teacher training program is based on an evaluation of the program's submitted curriculum, instructional staff, facilities and resources in place to prepare teachers to enter the TESL/TEFL profession. The recognition process does not include an evaluation of a program's business practices. Therefore, TESL Canada recognition does not imply TESL Canada approval or endorsement of a program's business practices. 

For more information on TESL Canada Teacher Training Program Recognition please review the Teacher Training Program Accreditation Manual, as well as the Teacher Training Program Recognition FAQ.

If you have additional questions that are not covered on these links, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..