Past Events
In-Person Mini-PD Event 2026
Date: Thursday, February 5 from 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: Camellia Bake Shop (305 Northfield Dr. E, Waterloo).
This fun, informal event will consist of a cozy item exchange, games and small-table discussions on a variety of ESL topics. For the cozy item exchange, you could bring a mug, socks, tea or a combination! Feel free to get creative!
We will provide light snacks (vegan and gluten-free options available) as well as coffee and tea. Participants will also have the option to buy food and/or drinks from a select menu.
The topics of discussion, as well as the specific questions, will be based on suggestions from registrants upon registration.
In addition to socializing and learning with colleagues, you will earn PD credits for attending, and will have the opportunity to win a gift in a prize draw!
We look forward to seeing you.
Location: Camellia Bake Shop (305 Northfield Dr. E, Waterloo).
This fun, informal event will consist of a cozy item exchange, games and small-table discussions on a variety of ESL topics. For the cozy item exchange, you could bring a mug, socks, tea or a combination! Feel free to get creative!
We will provide light snacks (vegan and gluten-free options available) as well as coffee and tea. Participants will also have the option to buy food and/or drinks from a select menu.
The topics of discussion, as well as the specific questions, will be based on suggestions from registrants upon registration.
In addition to socializing and learning with colleagues, you will earn PD credits for attending, and will have the opportunity to win a gift in a prize draw!
We look forward to seeing you.
In-Person Hyflex Mini-PD Event 2025
Date: November 12, 2025. 6 - 8 PM
Location: Conestoga Collage (108 University Ave. E. Room 2G07)
This event will consist of a presentation by Lesline Fehr and Sarah Darling, who will guide us through the potential of AI in assessments. Participants will witness live demonstrations by actual students showcasing AI tools' capabilities in assessment-taking using Inspera.
Lesline Fehr (BA, B.Ed., M.Ed., OCELT) has been an English language teacher for over 25 years and has worked in a variety of contexts in Ontario including high school, LINC, EAP, and TESL. She is the author of the Conestoga English Language Reader 1 and is currently a professor in the English Language Studies Program at Conestoga College.
Sarah Darling (MA, OCELT) is a Professor of English Language Studies and Teaching English as a Second Language at Conestoga College in Waterloo Region, Ontario. Since joining Conestoga College in 2019, she has taught courses in Reading Comprehension, Written Communication, and Pronunciation. Sarah has had the privilege of teaching English and German language courses in Taiwan, Edmonton (AB), and Waterloo Region (ON). In addition to teaching, she has co-authored two OERs (Open Educational Resources): Conestoga English Language Reader 2 with Cheryl Knapp in 2025, and she collaborated with Larissa Conley on the creation of Listening Strategies for Success in 2022.
Agenda:
6:00-6:15 pm Introduction
6:15-6:25 pm Demonstration
6:25-6:55 pm Student Panel
6:55-7:25 pm Discussion
7:25-7:45 pm Summary
Location: Conestoga Collage (108 University Ave. E. Room 2G07)
This event will consist of a presentation by Lesline Fehr and Sarah Darling, who will guide us through the potential of AI in assessments. Participants will witness live demonstrations by actual students showcasing AI tools' capabilities in assessment-taking using Inspera.
Lesline Fehr (BA, B.Ed., M.Ed., OCELT) has been an English language teacher for over 25 years and has worked in a variety of contexts in Ontario including high school, LINC, EAP, and TESL. She is the author of the Conestoga English Language Reader 1 and is currently a professor in the English Language Studies Program at Conestoga College.
Sarah Darling (MA, OCELT) is a Professor of English Language Studies and Teaching English as a Second Language at Conestoga College in Waterloo Region, Ontario. Since joining Conestoga College in 2019, she has taught courses in Reading Comprehension, Written Communication, and Pronunciation. Sarah has had the privilege of teaching English and German language courses in Taiwan, Edmonton (AB), and Waterloo Region (ON). In addition to teaching, she has co-authored two OERs (Open Educational Resources): Conestoga English Language Reader 2 with Cheryl Knapp in 2025, and she collaborated with Larissa Conley on the creation of Listening Strategies for Success in 2022.
Agenda:
6:00-6:15 pm Introduction
6:15-6:25 pm Demonstration
6:25-6:55 pm Student Panel
6:55-7:25 pm Discussion
7:25-7:45 pm Summary
In-Person AGM 2025
Spring AGM Checklist – 2025
Date of AGM: May 24, 2025
Theme: Self-Care
Location: Kitchener Public Library (85 Queen St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 2H1)
This year's AGM will run from 10 AM to 1:30 PM and includes coffee, lunch, and a choice of PD workshops at the Kitchener Public Library (85 Queen St. N, Kitchener).
The theme of the event is Self-Care. Our workshops will provide a hands-on approach to mindfulness in practice. We will not just be learning about mindfulness, but actually doing it! You will have your choice of attending a workshop on creative beading or personal self-defense. To follow, we will have a session discussing mindfulness tips and tricks.
AGM Schedule:
● 10:00am-10:20am - Registration (coffee + muffins)
● 10:30am-10:45am - AGM (coffee + muffins + Meeting)
● 11:00am-12:00pm - Session 1 – Creative beading (Rooms D + E tables and chairs for beading and lunch)
● 11:00am-12:00pm - Session 2 – Personal Self Defense (Room C)
● 12:10pm-12:30pm - Mindfulness session with Tina (everyone together in Room D+E)
● 12:30pm-1:30pm – Lunch + Networking
Date of AGM: May 24, 2025
Theme: Self-Care
Location: Kitchener Public Library (85 Queen St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 2H1)
This year's AGM will run from 10 AM to 1:30 PM and includes coffee, lunch, and a choice of PD workshops at the Kitchener Public Library (85 Queen St. N, Kitchener).
The theme of the event is Self-Care. Our workshops will provide a hands-on approach to mindfulness in practice. We will not just be learning about mindfulness, but actually doing it! You will have your choice of attending a workshop on creative beading or personal self-defense. To follow, we will have a session discussing mindfulness tips and tricks.
AGM Schedule:
● 10:00am-10:20am - Registration (coffee + muffins)
● 10:30am-10:45am - AGM (coffee + muffins + Meeting)
● 11:00am-12:00pm - Session 1 – Creative beading (Rooms D + E tables and chairs for beading and lunch)
● 11:00am-12:00pm - Session 2 – Personal Self Defense (Room C)
● 12:10pm-12:30pm - Mindfulness session with Tina (everyone together in Room D+E)
● 12:30pm-1:30pm – Lunch + Networking
In-Person Mini-PD Event 2025Date: February 6, 2025. 6 - 8 PM
Location: Camellia Bake Shop (305 Northfield Dr. E, Waterloo). This fun, informal event will consist of a fuzzy sock exchange and small-table discussions on a variety of ESL topics. Don't forget to bring some fuzzy socks! We will provide light snacks (vegan and gluten-free options available) as well as coffee and tea. Participants will also have the option to buy food and/or drinks from a select menu. The topics of discussion, as well as the specific questions, will be based on suggestions from registrants. When you register, you will be asked to suggest one or more topics or questions you would like to discuss. Please share as many ideas as you like, and don't be afraid to be specific - the more suggestions we receive, the more we can tailor the evening to the interests of the participants! In addition to socializing and learning with colleagues, you will earn PD credits for attending, and will have the opportunity to win a gift in a prize draw! |
In-Person AGM & PD 2024
Empowering Communication: New paths for language learning in the 21 st century
Date: Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Location: Conestoga College Doon Campus in Kitchener
Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting on May 25 between 9 AM - 3 PM. Our meeting included coffee, lunch, a keynote address, and a choice of PD workshops at the Conestoga College Doon Campus in Kitchener.
Our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Saskia Van Viegen, is Associate Professor and English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics at York University. Saskia will share insight on a renewed vision of teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) grounded in a translanguaging stance. Translanguaging theory actively challenges linguistic hierarchies and recognizes the dynamic and creative language practices of bi/multilingual speakers and communities.
After the keynote, participants choose two of the following workshops:
- Swathi Vinod, Community Liaison Specialist with YMCA of Three Rivers, Mentorship Program
- Ban Al-Saffar, M.A., OCELT, ICTEAL
Agenda:
8:30-9:00 Registration
9:00-10:00 Keynote
10:00-10:15 Break
10:15-11:15 Workshops (Session 1)
11:15-11:30 Break
11:30-12:30 Workshops (Session 2)
12:30-1:30 Lunch and AGM
1:30-2:00 Networking
If anyone has questions for our Keynote Speaker Dr Saskia Van Viegen (B.A., M.A, PhD) you can contact her at [email protected].
If anyone has questions for our YMCA representatives you can contact Marsha Schlueter (519-504-3561) and Amanya (519-489-2403) respectively.
If anyone has questions for our Self-care expert you can contact Kathleen Moran at [email protected]
Date: Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Location: Conestoga College Doon Campus in Kitchener
Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting on May 25 between 9 AM - 3 PM. Our meeting included coffee, lunch, a keynote address, and a choice of PD workshops at the Conestoga College Doon Campus in Kitchener.
Our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Saskia Van Viegen, is Associate Professor and English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics at York University. Saskia will share insight on a renewed vision of teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) grounded in a translanguaging stance. Translanguaging theory actively challenges linguistic hierarchies and recognizes the dynamic and creative language practices of bi/multilingual speakers and communities.
After the keynote, participants choose two of the following workshops:
- The Trifecta of AI for LINC Instructors: Part 1
- The Trifecta of AI for LINC Instructors: Part 2
- YMCA of the Three Rivers (Immigrant Services and Employment Services)
- Swathi Vinod, Community Liaison Specialist with YMCA of Three Rivers, Mentorship Program
- Incorporating Lived Culture in the Classroom
- Ban Al-Saffar, M.A., OCELT, ICTEAL
Agenda:
8:30-9:00 Registration
9:00-10:00 Keynote
10:00-10:15 Break
10:15-11:15 Workshops (Session 1)
11:15-11:30 Break
11:30-12:30 Workshops (Session 2)
12:30-1:30 Lunch and AGM
1:30-2:00 Networking
If anyone has questions for our Keynote Speaker Dr Saskia Van Viegen (B.A., M.A, PhD) you can contact her at [email protected].
If anyone has questions for our YMCA representatives you can contact Marsha Schlueter (519-504-3561) and Amanya (519-489-2403) respectively.
If anyone has questions for our Self-care expert you can contact Kathleen Moran at [email protected]
Online Mini-PD event 2024
TESL Waterloo-Wellington will be holding an online mini-PD event on Wednesday, November 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
This event will consist of a presentation by Jen Artan, who will guide us through the potential of AI in the language-learning classroom. Participants will witness live demonstrations showcasing AI tools' capabilities, from text generation for lesson plans with ChatGPT, to the visual creativity of DALL-E for enhanced comprehension, and the audio dialogue generation of MURF for improved listening and speaking.
This event will consist of a presentation by Jen Artan, who will guide us through the potential of AI in the language-learning classroom. Participants will witness live demonstrations showcasing AI tools' capabilities, from text generation for lesson plans with ChatGPT, to the visual creativity of DALL-E for enhanced comprehension, and the audio dialogue generation of MURF for improved listening and speaking.
In-Person 2023 AGM
Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting on May 27th between 9-1:30 PM.
Our meeting included coffee, lunch, a keynote address, and a choice of PD workshops at the Conestoga College Doon campus in Kitchener. The theme of the event was The Ever-Changing World of Language.
Our Keynote Speaker was Jesslyn Wilkinson (B.A., B.Ed., OCT) who is an Educational Technology Consultant at Conestoga College. Jesslyn shared insights on navigating the challenges and opportunities of teaching and learning language in the age of Chat GPT and other rapidly evolving realities.
After the keynote, participants chose two of the following three workshops:
Morning refreshments and a delicious lunch was provided by Chartwells.
After lunch has been served, we held our Annual General Meeting including updates on our affiliate activities, a call for volunteers, and a prize draw.
We are excited to announce that we had an ESL Book Swap at this year's event. Members were invited to bring any books or other teaching resources they no longer need and place them on the book swap table.
Our meeting included coffee, lunch, a keynote address, and a choice of PD workshops at the Conestoga College Doon campus in Kitchener. The theme of the event was The Ever-Changing World of Language.
Our Keynote Speaker was Jesslyn Wilkinson (B.A., B.Ed., OCT) who is an Educational Technology Consultant at Conestoga College. Jesslyn shared insights on navigating the challenges and opportunities of teaching and learning language in the age of Chat GPT and other rapidly evolving realities.
After the keynote, participants chose two of the following three workshops:
- Taking tech to the next level: Evaluating the use of technology to enhance learning
- The HyFlex Classroom: Could this be the modality of the future?
- Evolving as an Educator
Morning refreshments and a delicious lunch was provided by Chartwells.
After lunch has been served, we held our Annual General Meeting including updates on our affiliate activities, a call for volunteers, and a prize draw.
We are excited to announce that we had an ESL Book Swap at this year's event. Members were invited to bring any books or other teaching resources they no longer need and place them on the book swap table.
Virtual 2021 AGM
Thank you to everyone who attended our virtual Annual General Meeting on Thursday, October 21 from 7:00 to 8:30PM.
This free, virtual event featured a keynote address by Dalia Najera entitled, "The Future of Language Learning: A Blended Learning Approach." The presentation was followed by your annual updates from the TESL WW Executive Committee and a prize draw.
This free, virtual event featured a keynote address by Dalia Najera entitled, "The Future of Language Learning: A Blended Learning Approach." The presentation was followed by your annual updates from the TESL WW Executive Committee and a prize draw.
Virtual 2020 AGM
Thank you to everyone who attended our virtual Annual General Meeting on Thursday, October 22 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.
This free event featured a keynote address by our guest, Michael Wong, entitled "Stress, Isolation, and Wellness Practices on the Brain and Behaviour." Michael Wong holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and is currently a Teaching and Learning Consultant at Conestoga College.
The presentation was followed by annual updates from the TESL WW Executive Committee, and a prize draw.
The AGM provided participants with credit for two PD hours.
This free event featured a keynote address by our guest, Michael Wong, entitled "Stress, Isolation, and Wellness Practices on the Brain and Behaviour." Michael Wong holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and is currently a Teaching and Learning Consultant at Conestoga College.
The presentation was followed by annual updates from the TESL WW Executive Committee, and a prize draw.
The AGM provided participants with credit for two PD hours.
Live Webinars - June 2020 PD Events
Thank you to everyone who participated in our live, interactive webinars in the month of June, 2020 related to the theme of Fostering Wellness and Connection. Big thanks to our wonderful presenters Elizabeth Akinyemi and Maryam Elshafei.
Thursday June 11, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm: Understanding Newcomers' Mental Health
Presented by Elizabeth Akinyemi, Carizon Family and Community Services
Saturday June 20, 10:00 am to 11:00 am: We Need to Talk!
Presented by Maryam Elshafei, Conestoga College
Thursday June 11, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm: Understanding Newcomers' Mental Health
Presented by Elizabeth Akinyemi, Carizon Family and Community Services
Saturday June 20, 10:00 am to 11:00 am: We Need to Talk!
Presented by Maryam Elshafei, Conestoga College
November 6th Mini-PD Event at Del's Enoteca
Thank you to everyone who braved the weather and joined us at Del's Enoteca for food and conversation. We had some great discussions. This event provided attendees with two Professional Development hours.
Spring AGM and PD Event: Narrating the Self 2019
Oct 24th Mini-PD Event at Del Dente's
2018 Spring AGM and PD Event: Conflict in the Classroom
Thank you to everyone who presented and attended our Spring AGM and PD event on Saturday, May 26th.
Enjoy the pictures below taken from the event and check out the linked presentation from the TESL Ontario workshop.
Enjoy the pictures below taken from the event and check out the linked presentation from the TESL Ontario workshop.
Mini-PD at Del Dente's: Nov 16th
Thank you to everyone who attended the mini-PD event on Nov 16th from 6-8pm at Del Dente's restaurant in Kitchener. The format of the evening was informal small table discussions on ESL topics with the option of buying dinner and/or drinks from a select dinner menu.
This event provided attendees with 2 Professional Development hours and was enjoyed by all.
This event provided attendees with 2 Professional Development hours and was enjoyed by all.
TESL WW SPRING AGM & PD EVENT 2017: THINKING CRITICALLY
Thanks to everyone who presented and attended our Spring AGM and PD Event on Saturday, May, 13.
Click here to read Beth Beardall's reflection on some of the strategies discussed during Tyson Seburn's keynote address.
Thanks to everyone who presented and attended our Spring AGM and PD Event on Saturday, May, 13.
Click here to read Beth Beardall's reflection on some of the strategies discussed during Tyson Seburn's keynote address.
TESL WW SPRING AGM & PD EVENT 2016: TRANSITIONING
TESL WW March Mini-PD Event - Recap
The mini-Professional Development event held at Del's Enoteca Pizzeria in Kitchener on March 3, 2016 was a great success.
21 TESL-WW members gathered for food and sociability from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tables were divided up into five colour-coded conversation groups, and every 25-30 minutes we changed our discussion groups. Different topics included teaching techniques to understanding PBLA to the future of TESL, with many interesting thoughts shared between ESL teachers of all varieties.
Thank you to everyone who attended for making this event such a success. Please send us your feedback and preferences so we can continue to meet the interests and needs of our affiliate members.
The mini-Professional Development event held at Del's Enoteca Pizzeria in Kitchener on March 3, 2016 was a great success.
21 TESL-WW members gathered for food and sociability from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tables were divided up into five colour-coded conversation groups, and every 25-30 minutes we changed our discussion groups. Different topics included teaching techniques to understanding PBLA to the future of TESL, with many interesting thoughts shared between ESL teachers of all varieties.
Thank you to everyone who attended for making this event such a success. Please send us your feedback and preferences so we can continue to meet the interests and needs of our affiliate members.
TESL WW SPRING AGM & PD EVENT 2015: LISTENING AND SPEAKING VOLUMES
On Saturday, May 25, 2015, TESL WW hosted a successful AGM and PD event at Renison University College. Participants learned and shared strategies for teaching listening and speaking in the ESL/EFL classroom. Thanks to everyone who presented and attended the event!
Annette Losier - Destress for Success.pdf
Kimberly Burrell - Infographic Livebinder
Raveet Jacob and Denise Redmond - Semantic/Episodic.pptx
Kimberly Burrell - Infographic Livebinder
Raveet Jacob and Denise Redmond - Semantic/Episodic.pptx
TESL WW FALL 2014 MINI-PD
A successful PD morning was held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 @ Conestoga College in Kitchener. Attendees learned how to easily access the online PD learning opportunities, and watched a selected video. This was followed by presentations, discussion and activities. Scroll down to see the photos. To see our PowerPoint slideshow on how to access your own online sessions, download the file below.
| tesl_ww_fall_pd_powerpoint.pptx |
| esl_store-bought_games_-_rachel_fourny.pdf |
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