Ontario communities celebrate English as a Second Language Week

highlighting the growing importance of ESL education

TORONTO, Oct. 18, 2011 /CNW/ - The expanding role of English as a Second Language (ESL) to educate new Canadians is being honoured across Ontario during ESL Week, which takes place October 23-29, 2011. ESL Week is an annual celebration of ESL education that has the involvement of dozens of Ontario communities, thousands of ESL educators, students, and several learning institutions and school boards.

"When newcomers with virtually no comprehension of English first relocate to Canada, they usually experience isolation," says Renate Tilson, executive director, TESL Ontario. "The role of our members is to help new Canadians - immigrants, refugees and international students - learn English so they can communicate, feel valuable, be employable and productive citizens - and feel a part of our country's social fabric."

ESL Week has been declared by several communities across Ontario including: Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa, Barrie, Brighton, Brockton, Burlington, Ajax, Amherstburg, Aurora, Callander, Clarington, Cornwall, Elliot Lake, Englehart, Fort Erie, Fort Frances, Georgina, Goderich, Gwillimbury, Kenora, Markham, Markstay-Warren, Midland, Milton, Newmarket, North Bay, Oakville, Oshawa, Parry Sound, Penetanguishene, Pickering, Port Hope, Quinte West, Rainy River, Saugeen Shores, Shelburne, Smooth Rock Falls, Stratford, St. Charles, St. Thomas, Whitby, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Windsor and York Region.

As part of the celebration, TESL Ontario created a contest for the participation of students and ESL teachers as a way to honour ESL Week. The contest comprises several categories including: poster, writing, photo, blog, short film/documentary and a video infomercial. The contest winners will be announced during ESL Week.

"ESL Week was developed as a way to raise awareness of the importance of ESL education for our society and our economy," adds Tilson. "It provides an opportunity to express our appreciation for ESL educators, who are also cultural interpreters for new Canadians. We also acknowledge teachers in Ontario elementary and secondary schools who provide language programs for our youth."

A regular highlight of ESL Week is the TESL Ontario conference, which is taking place October 27-29, 2011 in Toronto. The conference - Language Learning: A Focus on Success - is the largest conference of its kind in Canada, hosting more than 1,500 delegates. The conference brings together ESL educators from the public and private sector, academics, researchers, teacher trainers and representatives from both the federal and provincial governments. The conference offers a variety of workshops, plenary speakers, research symposia and a panel discussion on a current ESL topic.

TESL Ontario is the association and certifying body for non-credit adult ESL instructors in Ontario. TESL Ontario represents more than 4,400 ESL professionals working in elementary and secondary schools; colleges and universities; private schools; and LINC and ESL sites across the province. The organization has developed expertise in areas of teacher accreditation, and professional and curriculum development. For more information, visit www.teslontario.org.

For further information:

Shannon Skinner
Public Relations, TESL Ontario
416-576-8809
[e-mail]

Renate Tilson
Executive Director, TESL Ontario
416-593-4243 ext. 4
[e-mail]