1/30/2023 - 11/30/2023
Mark your calendars for an exciting BC TEAL PD event on the beautiful University of the Fraser Valley campus!
More details to follow.
Location: UFV (University College of the Fraser Valley)
33780 King Rd
Abbotsford, BC V2S 7P2
Registration is Coming Soon for this event
9/28/2023
Through reflection, discussion, and the creation of a personalized land acknowledgment, this workshop is designed to help EAL instructors gain confidence in decolonizing their classrooms, help students connect with land, and take action toward reconciliation.
Ashley Johnston is a Sessional Lecturer at UBC-O in the English Foundation Program. Who is passionate about wholistic educational practices that seek to decolonize English language courses. MA (English Literature), MEd(in progress), HBA, BEd.
Registration ends on 9/29/2023
10/3/2023 - 12/12/2023
This group will work through the course Home on Native Land and will meet weekly to discuss the topic and how it might affect our classroom practice.
The course will be hosted on Canvas and will be facilitated. Canvas will allow us to share resources and have online discussions. It will also allow those who might miss a session to keep up.
*In exchange for permission to use this course, the creators have asked that participants provide feedback to them on the course.
The group will meet for one hour weekly on Tuesdays at 6:00 from October 3rd to December 12th.
Facilitators:
Sharon Jarvis, Adjunct Professor
Sharon is a Métis educator from Manito Sakahikanihk (aka Lac St Anne). She has more than 20 years of experience in teaching EAL and in teaching adults. She has been teaching in the Education Department at UBC since 2019. Her philosophy towards education holds that when it supports otipemisiwak (selves-determining), wâhkôtowin ( nurture of all our relations) and manito ( good vibe) (OWM) elements, it can be an enriching experience.
Cindi Jones, BC TEAL Executive Director
Cindi is a highly experienced and accomplished educator in the field of English as an Additional Language (EAL), with over two decades of experience. Throughout her career, Cindi has taught EAL students in a variety of settings, including public post-secondary institutions, LINC programs, and private for-profit schools, both in Canada and overseas. Her current role is as Executive Director of BC Teacher of English as an Additional Language.
Registration ends on 12/12/2023
10/6/2023
This is the first in a series of four webinars on the topic of helping students with Learning Disabilities in our EAL classes. Members who attend all four sessions will have the option of purchasing a digital badge to add to the skills section of their social media accounts.
Webinar 1 - Learning Challenges in the EAL Classroom
Fri, Oct 6, 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Squirrel! Strategies for Dealing with Distractible Clients (1.5 hrs)
Do you have a student who is constantly late? Binder a disaster? Asks what to do when you just finished explaining? Gets distracted by the…squirrel!!! Did you know there might be a cause? This session will explore the why and the how of supporting students with ADHD, daydreamers, and tornadoes that blow through your class
Webinar 2 - Learning Challenges in the EAL Classroom
Fri, Nov 24, 1:00pm - 2:30pm PST
Recognizing and Accommodating Dyslexia in an EAL Context (1.5hrs)
We all have them- intelligent, bright students who just struggle. Maybe they have a hard time focusing, maybe they are always moving, maybe they still have trouble writing on the line even after years of class, or maybe there is just something you can put your finger on, but you can tell there is more going on than just the average EAL struggles. Plus, with many cultural stances towards any type of learning or learner “difference,” you know there will never be any type of formal assessment let alone a concrete diagnosis. We hear you, Teacher, we have been there too! We want to help you specifically recognize dyslexia in an EAL context. After a hands-on simulation of what it is like to do a writing assignment with dyslexia, we will discuss various teaching strategies for these students and explore ideas for accommodation.
Webinar 3 - Learning Challenges in the EAL Classroom
Fri, Jan 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Multisensory Learning in an Online Context (1 hr)
There once was a man whose concern
Was with movement and how adults learn.
If we take his base plan and move it online,
Our students will improve in return!
Join us as we discuss and brainstorm creative ways of engaging students even while online.
Webinar 4- Learning Challenges in the EAL Classroom
Thu, Feb 22, 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in an Online Context (1hr)
With the move to more and more online language classes, a certain connection to our students is lost. Taking the emotional temperature of a class or a particular student becomes much more complex. In this session, we will talk about red flags to watch for and trauma-informed practices that you can modify to an online context.
Presenter:
Jessica Leslie
Jessica Leslie has been teaching in the educational world for the past 20 years with equal time being spent in EAL and in accessible education. She has had the privilege of teaching in Central Asia and on both of Canada's stunning coasts. She has a B.A. in Linguistics/TESL and M.Ed. in supporting learners with diverse needs and exceptionalities. She is the Accessibility Support Program Instructor/Coordinator at Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS).
BC TEAL webinars are free for members* and $30.00 for non-members.
If cost is a barrier to your participation, please register as normal and the option to complete a form will be available.
*Members: Please use the email associated with your BC TEAL membership to register.
This is the first in a series of four webinars on the topic of helping students with Learning Disabilities in our EAL classes.
Webinar 1 - Learning Disabilities in the EAL Classroom
Fri, Oct 6, 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Squirrel! Strategies for Dealing with Distractible Clients (1.5 hrs)
Do you have a student who is constantly late? Binder a disaster? Asks what to do when you just finished explaining? Gets distracted by the…squirrel!!! Did you know there might be a cause? This session will explore the why and the how of supporting students with ADHD, daydreamers, and tornadoes that blow through your class
Members who attend all 4 webinars can purchase a Digital Badge for $20
10/11/2023
The aim of this workshop is to boost your confidence in participating in meetings and enhance your organization's meeting productivity.
We'll be delving into "Robert's Rules of Order", a widely recognized guide for effective group discussions and decision-making. While these rules might seem complex at first glance, they're designed to streamline meeting processes. Adopting these rules won't complicate your meetings, but rather improve them.
During our hands-on workshop, we will not only explore the specifics of these rules but also provide you with a chance to practice and apply them. You will receive a package with printable reference materials and instructions for the workshop. If you wish to purchase a laminated copy of the rules in brief, this is a great option.
Dr. Karen Densky has been honored with the BC TEAL Lifetime Contributor award and has bee
n a dedicated member of the BC TEAL Board for many years. With over two decades of experience teaching EAL at the post-secondary level, Karen's influence has reached across borders, having taught in countries like Greenland and Chile, as well as leading a field school in Mexico.
Recently, she retired from her role at TRU, where she served as both a teacher educator in their TESL program and the coordinator of TRU’s Learning Centre. There, she imparted her vast experience to both instructors and students from various disciplines.
Beyond her teaching roles, Dr. Densky has been deeply involved with BC TEAL for over 20 years, holding various board positions. She currently undertakes the role of fundraising chair for the TEAL Charitable Foundation. Additionally, Karen has spearheaded workshops on Robert's Rules, equipping emerging leaders with the skills to navigate board roles and formal meeting settings effectively
There are currently 12 spots remaining out of 12
10/25/2023
BC TEAL invites you to join us for an afternoon of PD at Mir Centre for Peace adjacent to Selkirk College, Castlegar. These sessions are designed to appeal to a wide range of instructional professionals from a variety of disciplines.
Bring your lunch and join other education professionals for a great afternoon of PD.
There is no charge for this event, but pre-registration is appreciated.
Schedule:
12:15 - Amber Shaw - Writing Accessible Instructions
1:30 - Coffee and Snacks - Provided by our Host
2:00 - Dr Neil Leveridge - Decolonizing Grading Practices: A Pathway to Equitable Assesment
Workshop Details
Writing Accessible Instructions
- acknowledge The Land
- acknowledge each other and create a safe space for our exchanges
- look at the basic principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- briefly discuss the purpose of assignment instructions from the instructor and student perspectives
- cover some best practices for making assignment instructions more accessible using UDL
- explore an example of assignment instructions which are presented through different modalities. This assignment aims to be a model in honour of the TRC Call to Action sections 62 ii and 63 ii, iii, iv.
- take a short biology break
Part Two
- work individually on a set of instructions from your own practice
- collaborate in small peer groups to offer kind and constructive feedback
Presented by Amber Shaw, BC TEAL 1st Vice President
Land Acknowledgement: It is with deep gratitude that I acknowledge The Peoples, The Energies, and The Ways of Being and Knowing that have and continue to caretake This Land. I am humbled and honoured for the opportunity to
live and be on the Traditional, Ancestral, and Unceded Territories of the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.
Teaching and Research Interests: Curriculum and Materials Design, Cross-cultural Communication, Accessibility, and Decolonizing Learning Spaces
Working in the Academic English Program at UBC combines my love of teaching with my passion for linguistics. My main focus is in creating active, student centered, participatory, and decolonized learning spaces through the design of innovative curriculum and materials. I also research, write, and develop resources for minority group students.
Decolonizing Grading Practices: A Pathway to Equitable Assessment
Instruction in the field of Communication, particularly in mixed-ability courses with English as an additional language (EAL) students, assessment practices have long been accused of being a tool of colonialism, where grading practices have been designed to measure students' communication abilities based on Eurocentric values, thereby perpetuating systemic racism and exclusion. Providing equitable grading practices is imperative to achieve equity in Communication and EAL education. This talk will explore the concept of decolonization and its relevance in grading practices in mixed-ability classes. The session will begin with an overview of the impact of colonialism on education and the challenges that grading practices pose to students from marginalized communities. The discussion will then explore alternative frameworks that prioritize inclusivity, such as culturally responsive grading practices and the use of narrative feedback. We will delve into how these frameworks can be implemented within existing institutional structures and curriculums. Finally, we will consider the benefits of decolonizing grading practices, including creating a more just and equitable system that empowers all learners to achieve their full potential.
Presented by Dr. Neil Leveridge, BC TEAL President
With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Dr. Neil Leveridge has distinguished himself as an Educational Technologist, Communication
S
trategist, and EAL/EFL instructor. His journey commenced with a pivotal role as an instructor before advancing to a position as a Director at GES International Schools in Taiwan. Undeterred by challenges, Dr. Leveridge continued advancing his career, securing lectureships at the National Taiwan Normal University and the Department of Foreign Languages at Da Yeh University. Between 2016 and 2020, he made significant impacts as an Academic English lecturer at the Vantage College at UBC. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Dr. Leveridge was appointed as Communication Strategist and Assistant Professor of Teaching for the Department of Wood Science, in the esteemed Faculty of Forestry at UBC in 2020. Presently, Dr. Leveridge holds the influential position of Interim President of BC TEAL, while also serving as the Chair of the highly anticipated BC TEAL 2023 Conference.
Location: Selkirk College, Mir Centre for Peace
301 Frank Beinder Way
Castlegar, BC V1N 4L3
11/24/2023
This is the second in a series of four webinars on the topic of helping students with Learning Challenges in our EAL classes. Members who attend all four sessions will have the option of purchasing a digital badge to add to the skills section of their social media accounts.
Webinar 2 - Learning Challenges in the EAL Classroom
Fri, Nov 24, 1:00pm - 2:30pm PST
Recognizing and Accommodating Dyslexia in an EAL Context (1.5hrs)
We all have them- intelligent, bright students who just struggle. Maybe they have a hard time focusing, maybe they are always moving, maybe they still have trouble writing on the line even after years of class, or maybe there is just something you can put your finger on, but you can tell there is more going on than just the average EAL struggles. Plus, with many cultural stances towards any type of learning or learner “difference,” you know there will never be any type of formal assessment let alone a concrete diagnosis. We hear you, Teacher, we have been there too! We want to help you specifically recognize dyslexia in an EAL context. After a hands-on simulation of what it is like to do a writing assignment with dyslexia, we will discuss various teaching strategies for these students and explore ideas for accommodation.
Webinar 3 - Learning Challenges in the EAL Classroom
Fri, Jan 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Multisensory Learning in an Online Context (1 hr)
There once was a man whose concern
Was with movement and how adults learn.
If we take his base plan and move it online,
Our students will improve in return!
Join us as we discuss and brainstorm creative ways of engaging students even while online.
Webinar 4- Learning Challenges in the EAL Classroom
Thu, Feb 22, 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in an Online Context (1hr)
With the move to more and more online language classes, a certain connection to our students is lost. Taking the emotional temperature of a class or a particular student becomes much more complex. In this session, we will talk about red flags to watch for and trauma-informed practices that you can modify to an online context.
Presenter:
Jessica Leslie
Jessica Leslie has been teaching in the educational world for the past 20 years with equal time being spent in EAL and in accessible education. She has had the privilege of teaching in Central Asia and on both of Canada's stunning coasts. She has a B.A. in Linguistics/TESL and M.Ed. in supporting learners with diverse needs and exceptionalities. She is the Accessibility Support Program Instructor/Coordinator at Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS).
BC TEAL webinars are free for members* and $30.00 for non-members.
If cost is a barrier to your participation, please register as normal and the option to complete a form will be availalbe.
*Members: Please use the email associated with your BC TEAL membership to register.
This is the second in a series of four webinars on the topic of helping students with Learning Disabilities in our EAL classes. Members who attend all four sessions will have the option of purchasing a digital badge to add to the skills section of their social media accounts.
Webinar 2 - Learning Disabilities in the EAL Classroom
Fri, Nov 24, 1:00pm - 2:30pm PST
Recognizing and Accommodating Dyslexia in an EAL Context (1.5hrs)
We all have them- intelligent, bright students who just struggle. Maybe they have a hard time focusing, maybe they are always moving, maybe they still have trouble writing on the line even after years of class, or maybe there is just something you can put your finger on, but you can tell there is more going on than just the average EAL struggles. Plus, with many cultural stances towards any type of learning or learner “difference,” you know there will never be any type of formal assessment let alone a concrete diagnosis. We hear you, Teacher, we have been there too! We want to help you specifically recognize dyslexia in an EAL context. After a hands-on simulation of what it is like to do a writing assignment with dyslexia, we will discuss various teaching strategies for these students and explore ideas for accommodation.
12/8/2023 - 12/8/2023
Mark your calendars for an exciting BC TEAL PD event at Evergreen Centre!
More details to follow.
Location: Evergreen Cultural Centre
1205 Pinetree Way
Coquitlam, BC V3B 7Y3
Registration is Coming Soon for this event
1/12/2024
This is the third in a series of four webinars on the topic of helping students with Learning Challenges in our EAL classes. Members who attend all four sessions will have the option of purchasing a digital badge to add to the skills section of their social media accounts.
Webinar 3 - Learning Challenges in the EAL Classroom
Fri, Jan 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Multisensory Learning in an Online Context (1 hr)
There once was a man whose concern
Was with movement and how adults learn.
If we take his base plan and move it online,
Our students will improve in return!
Join us as we discuss and brainstorm creative ways of engaging students even while online.
Webinar 4- Learning Challenges in the EAL Classroom
Thu, Feb 22, 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in an Online Context (1hr)
With the move to more and more online language classes, a certain connection to our students is lost. Taking the emotional temperature of a class or a particular student becomes much more complex. In this session, we will talk about red flags to watch for and trauma-informed practices that you can modify to an online context.
Presenter:
Jessica Leslie
Jessica Leslie has been teaching in the educational world for the past 20 years with equal time being spent in EAL and in accessible education. She has had the privilege of teaching in Central Asia and on both of Canada's stunning coasts. She has a B.A. in Linguistics/TESL and M.Ed. in supporting learners with diverse needs and exceptionalities. She is the Accessibility Support Program Instructor/Coordinator at Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS).
BC TEAL webinars are free for members* and $30.00 for non-members.
If cost is a barrier to your participation, please register as normal and the option to complete a form will be availalbe.
*Members: Please use the email associated with your BC TEAL membership to register.
This is the third in a series of four webinars on the topic of helping students with Learning Disabilities in our EAL classes.
Webinar 3 - Learning Disabilities in the EAL Classroom
Fri, Jan 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Multisensory Learning in an Online Context (1 hr)
There once was a man whose concern
Was with movement and how adults learn.
If we take his base plan and move it online,
Our students will improve in return!
Join us as we discuss and brainstorm creative ways of engaging students even while online.
Members who attend all 4 webinars can purchase a Digital Badge for $20
1/24/2024
Are you looking for an approachable and engaging way to address how land is used - and often abused - in Canada with your ESL learners? Look no further than graphic novels! This session will provide adaptable activities that can be used to explore the impact of Canada’s fossil fuel industry on the environment and people - both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.Heather Donnelly has worked with ESL learners in the post-secondary sector since 2011. She is currently the Supplemental Instruction Coordinator at Lambton College (Sarnia, ON) and a faculty member at Fanshawe College (London, ON). She is a regular contributor to the TESL Ontario blog.
2/22/2024
This is the last in a series of four webinars on the topic of helping students with Learning Challenges in our EAL classes. Members who attend all four sessions will have the option of purchasing a digital badge to add to the skills section of their social media accounts.
Webinar 4 - Learning Challenges in the EAL Classroom
Thu, Feb 22, 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in an Online Context (1hr)
With the move to more and more online language classes, a certain connection to our students is lost. Taking the emotional temperature of a class or a particular student becomes much more complex. In this session, we will talk about red flags to watch for and trauma-informed practices that you can modify to an online context.
Presenter:
Jessica Leslie
Jessica Leslie has been teaching in the educational world for the past 20 years with equal time being spent in EAL and in accessible education. She has had the privilege of teaching in Central Asia and on both of Canada's stunning coasts. She has a B.A. in Linguistics/TESL and M.Ed. in supporting learners with diverse needs and exceptionalities. She is the Accessibility Support Program Instructor/Coordinator at Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS).
BC TEAL webinars are free for members* and $30.00 for non-members.
If cost is a barrier to your participation, please register as normal and the option to complete a form will be availalbe.
*Members: Please use the email associated with your BC TEAL membership to register.
This is the last in a series of four webinars on the topic of helping students with Learning Disabilities in our EAL classes.
Webinar 4- Learning Disabilities in the EAL Classroom
Thu, Feb 22, 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in an Online Context (1hr)
With the move to more and more online language classes, a certain connection to our students is lost. Taking the emotional temperature of a class or a particular student becomes much more complex. In this session, we will talk about red flags to watch for and trauma-informed practices that you can modify to an online context.
Members who attend all 4 webinars can purchase a Digital Badge for $20