President's Message
As my year as president of ATESL comes to an end, and as we make final preparations for our annual conference in Edmonton, I am filled with awe at the number of volunteer hours willingly given by ESL-focussed professionals across the province.
There are many roles these volunteers play every day - teacher, tutor, administrator, researcher, funder, advocate, student, counsellor, mentor, friend. In addition, they commit to furthering the excellence and professionalism of English language teaching through activities such as committee work, Board service or conference organization. To all of them, my sincere thanks.
During this year, the ATESL Board members have worked on a number of fronts to support the membership. We signed an agreement with Alberta Employment and Immigration to complete a Resource Management project, which created a database of government funded resources and curriculum projects accessible through the ATESL website. We began a Curriculum Framework Project, also funded by AEI, which will provide assistance to programs across the province in creating well-designed curriculum to meet the needs of learners. We have contacted government on behalf of our members; we undertook a survey to help us determine the future of the accreditation procedure; we supported professional development through first-time presenter bursaries; and we have represented the interests of ESL in Alberta with national bodies such as TESL Canada and the CCLB Board. The diversity of our membership is now better represented as we have four active Local organizations in Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary and Lethbridge. ATESL is also in sound financial shape and our administrative officers and web presence provide the membership with access to information and needed support.
I would like to offer my special thanks to all the members of the ATESL Board for their dedication and many accomplishments this year and for the commitment of each one to excellence in representing the members of ATESL. In particular, thank you to Judy Sillito for sharing your heart as well as your expertise during your 3 years in a presidential role.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as president of ATESL. I wish Diane Hardy, our incoming president all the best during her tenure.
Sincerely,
Audrey Olson