President's Message
The start of a new year is one of my favourite times. It encourages reflection on past accomplishments and prompts the question, “What lies ahead?” Although my attention is forward facing, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect upon a salient event in 2010.
One of the highlights that concluded the past year was the ATESL Conference. I was particularly struck by the theme, “Inspiring Voices” - two simple words that encompass one bold challenge to showcase the people, projects and ideas that galvanize inspiration and passion. The conference not only celebrated people who represent the best from within our field, but it also encouraged us to tap into the best of what lies within each of us. Finding inspiration was not a challenge as it is deeply rooted within and outside of our organization, and it was brought to the forefront through the work and dedication of the conference planning committee, volunteers and presenters. Further, inspiring voices were heard when two ATESL projects were highlighted. The first project is the ATESL Resource Database, accessible through our website, centralizing ESL resources funded and developed in Alberta. The second project is the development of the Curriculum Framework for Adult ESL in Alberta. This exciting initiative will support adult ESL teaching, learning and assessment and will be formally launched in the fall of 2011.
Finally, the theme of “Inspiring Voices” was punctuated when Jaye Fredrickson was presented with an ATESL Lifetime Membership Award for her significant contributions to our teaching and learning community, and when four practitioners from across Alberta - Margaret Armstrong, Judy Hasinoff, Shelley McConnell and Helen Sommer-Longshore - were presented with the Dawn Seabrook de Vargas Fellowship which recognizes ongoing commitment, innovation and contribution in the field of ESL. Congratulations to the award winners and to everyone who took part in the conference. Your participation ensured that inspirational voices were heard and that their messages will carry forward into the year ahead.
The ATESL Board looks forward to 2011. We wish you all a happy, healthy and inspirational year.
- Diane Hardy