Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are commonplace in TESL organisations and conferences around the world.  A SIG functions as a forum for like-minded members to meet online, at conferences and/or other organized events in the Toronto area. At meetings members can discuss issues, develop projects, propose a SIG conference session/speaker, and create collaborative groups to work on areas of interest in the field that will help them and support other teachers. TESL Toronto executive member Aga Palalas will provide guidance for the development of SIGs.

TESL Toronto-affiliated SIGs

There are currently two TESL Toronto-affiliated SIGs; if you’re interested in joining one of them or would like more information, write to the contact person listed below.

1. Language Skills for Employment Purposes (LaSEP)
LaSEP is open to people in the TESL community who are interested in meeting the unique communication needs of learners who are preparing to enter into employment or are looking for better employment/career change. The LaSEP SIG members will strive to achieve this goal through teaching, resource facilitation/support, management and research. This SIG is a forum for sharing of questions, expertise, creative ideas and material reviews as well as opportunities for collaboration and professional development in the field and encourages everyone in the TESL community to be aware of the employment/career goals of any of their class participants.

• LaSEP SIG Contact: Marlene Tash, mtash@sympatico.ca

2. English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
This SIG is for anyone interested in learning more about, or sharing ideas for the teaching of language skills that prepare students for post-secondary study.

• EAP SIG Contacts: Greg Osadec, gosadec@gmail.com; or Kent Jones, kent.jones@utoronto.ca.

Start a SIG

If you’re interested in starting a special interest group, TESL Toronto can provide our members some guidance and support. Contact us at info@tesltoronto.org. Here are some ideas for future SIGs:

LINC - focusing particularly on exploring best practice in teaching migrants of all backgrounds including refugees and asylum seekers within Ontario’s LINC program.

Learning Technologies – The LTechSIG is for any members interested in the application of new technologies in learning, teaching or teacher training of English.

Pronunciation - The PronSIG is for teachers interested in integrating pronunciation skills with language teaching.

Testing, Evaluation & Assessment – The TEASIG is for anyone involved or interested in this important aspect of ELT.