Lakehead Graduates First Cohort from Teaching English as a Second Language Program
Tuesday, June 4, 2013 – Thunder Bay, ON
Students enrolled in Lakehead University’s newest program are set to finish their coursework this Thursday and use what they’ve learned across Canada and around the world.
The Teaching English as a Second Language certificate program requires 100 hours of in-class work and 20 hours of practicum. The in-class work finishes this week, and students are currently working to set up their practicum.
“We’re really proud of this program,” said Dr. John O’Meara, Dean of the Faculty of Education. “These students are getting a solid foundation in instructing English to new language learners.”
Dr. Donald Kerr, Chair of the Department of Professional Development in Education, said the department put a lot of work into developing the new program.
“There’s a need for certified ESL instructors, both in Thunder Bay and nationally. This program helps to meet that need, and meets our mandate of providing very high quality professional development.”
Courtney Sidsworth, a student in the program, has already spent two years teaching English overseas, and just completed her BEd in the Faculty of Education. She is thinking of going overseas again. “This program will help me get work because all the better overseas employers are looking for TESL Canada qualifications.”
Another student in the program, Jean Begin, owns The Bookshelf, a used bookstore in Thunder Bay. He says he already travels a lot, and has noticed that there’s a need for better training in English among hotel staff in many countries. He plans to travel and teach. “This program has been amazing; it’s incredible how much I’ve learned,” he said.
Both students praised their teacher, Nathan Hall. “He is inspiring by always sharing his knowledge and experience,” said Sidsworth.
“I’ve learned so much in this course about the use of technology in classrooms,” said Begin.
Once successfully completed, students will have a certificate from Lakehead University and will be able to apply to TESL Canada, a national body overseeing standards for ESL programs in Canada, for recognition of their studies.
Course instructor Nathan Hall said he is very proud of these students. “They’ve worked hard and learned a great deal. This class has been a pleasure to teach, and I think they have the tools to become exceptional ESL instructors.”
O’Meara added that the Faculty plans to run this course again in the near future.
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Media: For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177.
Lakehead University is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. For more information about Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca