September brings a fresh start
Turning the calendar to September ushers in an exciting time of year for many. It can be a time to try something new, dig in again, and start over with renewed energy.
As such, it is often a time when we find ourselves excitedly filling up the calendar with plans, which, for many of us, include professional learning. As we look forward to TESL Canada's annual national conference June 6 - 9, 2018 in beautiful British Columbia, we also look back at TESL Canada's 2017 conference in stunning Niagara Falls. TESL NB was able to award five bursaries for members to attend this impressive conference. Tegan Taylor, an EAL teacher at a New Brunswick high school, attended with the help of one of these bursaries. She remarked afterwards that, "It's hard to choose a highlight of the sessions I attended but I really enjoyed Visual Grammar, and the discussions had in the Social Justice PL. Networking with colleagues across the country, hearing their experiences and struggles, has proven to be invaluable. I returned to New Brunswick with many tools and resources that I can use in years to come."
Ryan O'Shea, a teacher at the Multicultural Association of Fredericton, was also a recipient of one of the TESL NB bursaries. He described his conference experience thusly: "TESL Canada 2017 was an amazing experience for me. I received amazing support from both UNB and TESLNB to attend this conference, and I made sure to make the most out of it. While I have been fortunate enough to co-present at TESL Canada conferences in the past, this was my first experience submitting my own proposal and presenting my own research...
Aside from my own presentation, the highlight was definitely having the chance to connect with my fellow TESL NB members and learn about their work and their research. I had great conversations throughout the conference, and I absorbed as much wisdom as I could. At the end of the conference, I had a chance to attend the individual session by Corey, as well as the team presentation by Paula, Kathy, Chantal and Corey which were both excellent sessions. Overall, it was a wonderful opportunity to share my research, connect with my colleagues, make new connections, and expand my ESL knowledge. Thank you TESL Canada for putting together such a well-organized conference."
TESL NB members, be sure to keep your eyes and ears tuned for news on bursaries to attend the 2018 TESL Canada conference in beautiful British Columbia!
In the meantime, TESL NB members can apply for one of three $100 bursaries to attend the TESL NS conference coming up in early November 2017. Apply by October 1, 2017, through the contact email on our website. State your name, position, and why you wish to attend. Recipients will be notified by phone/email by October 6, and names will be announced at TESL NB's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Moncton on October 21, 2017. Details on the TESL NS conference can be found by visiting their page: TESL NS Fall Conference 2017
Hope to see you at our AGM in Moncton on October 21 (stay tuned to Twitter, Facebook and this site for details). Happy September!