Talking TESL

TESL Resource Centre

Welcome teachers and TESL enthusiasts! This is Talking TESL, the official podcast of the TESL Resource Centre at Concordia University, based in Montreal, Canada. We feature interviews with ESL learners, teachers, specialists, and B.Ed. students in the TESL program at ConU. Our aim is to highlight different voices in the TESL community so we can broaden our horizons in the field and learn from everyone's unique experiences. We also strive to support B.Ed. students while in the program and transitioning into the workforce through the stories of current students and graduates.

  1. Where Teaching Takes You: Working in the UK, Dreams of Australia, and Embracing New Experiences — with B.Ed. Alumna Georgia

    3월 20일

    Where Teaching Takes You: Working in the UK, Dreams of Australia, and Embracing New Experiences — with B.Ed. Alumna Georgia

    In this episode of Talking TESL, we sit down with Georgia, an alumna of the TESL program, who is currently teaching in London, England. Georgia shares her experiences teaching across multiple grades within the British education system and reflects on how her background in TESL, Inclusive Education, and the humanities has shaped her compassionate, student-centered approach to teaching. She also discusses trends she’s seeing in classrooms today, the rewards and challenges of teaching internationally, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can open the door to meaningful personal and professional growth, as she prepares for her next adventure in Australia.

    39분
  2. Teaching While Trans: August's Primary Internship Reflections - With B.Ed. Student August

    2025. 08. 01.

    Teaching While Trans: August's Primary Internship Reflections - With B.Ed. Student August

    In this episode, we catch up with B.Ed. student August as he reflects on his first primary internship and what it was like navigating the experience as a trans person. He shares his thoughts on classroom dynamics, his interactions with students and fellow teachers, and the rise of anti-trans rhetoric and legislation in both Canada and the United States. Please note that this episode was recorded in November 2024. For the most current information on trans rights and legislation, visit: translegislation.com

    34분
  3. On Podcasting, The Journey To Teaching, And The Love Of Learning: Getting To Know Jacqueline Mallais

    2025. 05. 05.

    On Podcasting, The Journey To Teaching, And The Love Of Learning: Getting To Know Jacqueline Mallais

    In this episode of Talking TESL, we’re joined by the inspiring Jacqueline Mallais—an ESL teacher based in Montreal and host of the popular ESL podcast Chalk n Coffee and accompanying YouTube series, Espresso Shots. Jacqueline shares her trajectory to teaching (it began with a love of Anne of Green Gables), the challenges she’s navigated throughout her career, and the joy she finds in lifelong learning. She reflects on the deep sense of gratitude she feels towards the community that has supported her, and how she strives to give back through her work as an educator and mentor. Listen to Chalk n Coffee: https://tinyurl.com/2t5mfz97 Watch Espresso Shots: https://tinyurl.com/329vs22x Follow on Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/45ebksm4

    47분
  4. Teaching With United For Literacy In Aupaluk: A TESL Student’s Summer In Nunavik — With TESL Student Suzanne Tremonte

    2025. 02. 21.

    Teaching With United For Literacy In Aupaluk: A TESL Student’s Summer In Nunavik — With TESL Student Suzanne Tremonte

    In this episode of Talking TESL, we chat with Suzanne Tremonte, a student in the TESL certificate program at Concordia University. Suzanne shares her journey into teaching and her experiences with United for Literacy, a national charitable organization supporting learners across Canada. She reflects on her transformative summer teaching in Aupaluk, a small Inuit community of 200 people in Nunavik, Northern Quebec—an experience that deeply influenced her approach to education. We explore key topics such as neo-colonialism in TESL, plurilingualism, and the power of gamification in language learning for children. Interested in volunteering with United for Literacy? Reach out to Suzanne at unitedforliteracy@csu.qc.ca—she’d love to connect!

    36분
  5. Breaking Barriers: Managing Physical Limitations And Building A Successful Teaching Career - With TESL Alumna Tammy

    2024. 12. 05.

    Breaking Barriers: Managing Physical Limitations And Building A Successful Teaching Career - With TESL Alumna Tammy

    In this episode, we chat with Tammy, a passionate high school teacher and a proud graduate of Concordia University's TESL program. Tammy shares her journey of growing up in a quadrilingual household, her early love for teaching, and the unique challenges and triumphs of navigating the TESL program and her professional career as a wheelchair user. Her enthusiasm for education is truly infectious, and her story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the joy of following one’s calling.

    52분
  6. Exploring Edupreneurship: The Story of ESL Interactive - with ESL Interactive Founders and TESL Program Graduates Sophie Giroux and Nairy Kazandjian

    2024. 10. 23.

    Exploring Edupreneurship: The Story of ESL Interactive - with ESL Interactive Founders and TESL Program Graduates Sophie Giroux and Nairy Kazandjian

    What does it take to start a business in the world of TESL? In this episode, we sit down with TESL program graduates, ESL teachers, and edupreneurs Sophie Giroux and Nairy Kazandjian to discuss their venture, ESL Interactive. We explore what inspired them to launch a business together, how they balance ESL Interactive with their teaching careers, and the key knowledge needed to kickstart an edupreneurial endeavor. These inspiring educators are here to share their journey and expertise. Want to learn more about ESL Interactive? Visit their website: https://esl-interactive.com/ Questions for Nairy and Sophie? Find them on: Instagram: @miss.nairy Facebook: ESL Interactive X (Twitter): @ESL_Interactive YouTube: ESL Interactive

    38분
  7. Becoming Miss Honesty: A High School Teacher's Story Of Pursuing her Dream - With ESL Teacher Mona Tavajohi

    2024. 06. 26.

    Becoming Miss Honesty: A High School Teacher's Story Of Pursuing her Dream - With ESL Teacher Mona Tavajohi

    In this episode, we sit down with secondary ESL teacher and TESL program alumna Mona Tavajohi. Mona shares her journey from her childhood in Iran to becoming the dedicated educator she is today. She discusses her experiences leaving Iran at 29 to pursue her dream of teaching students with learning challenges in Montreal. Key topics in this conversation include special education, overcoming obstacles, and fostering community in the classroom. Mona now happily teaches at École Vanguard, a school for students with severe learning disabilities. Through a positive behaviour approach and a focus on providing a safe emotional learning environment, she aims to remove obstacles for her students, enabling them to succeed. Her interests include neuroeducation, improving reading skills for students with specific learning disabilities, and promoting social-emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom.

    55분
  8. From Island Roots To Academic Heights: A Journey Of Resilience, Hard Work, And Luck - With PhD Student Chaoqun Zheng

    2024. 05. 15.

    From Island Roots To Academic Heights: A Journey Of Resilience, Hard Work, And Luck - With PhD Student Chaoqun Zheng

    In this episode of Talking TESL, join us as we explore the journey of Chaoqun Zheng, a PhD student in Concordia University's Applied Linguistics Program. From her origins on a small island in China to her current role as a respected researcher and course lecturer, Chaoqun shares her inspiring story of determination and perseverance. Having graduated from Nanjing Agricultural University, Chaoqun pursued a Master's degree at the University College London before embarking on her PhD journey under the guidance of Professor Pavel Trofimovich. Through her experiences, she reflects on the challenges of teaching in the TESL program as a non-native speaker, and how she navigates these obstacles to provide enriching courses for her students. Tune in to hear Chaoqun's insights on the pursuit of a PhD and teaching in the university system, and discover the role of hard work, resilience, and, in the words of Chaoqun, a little bit of luck.

    48분
모두 보기(47개)

소개

Welcome teachers and TESL enthusiasts! This is Talking TESL, the official podcast of the TESL Resource Centre at Concordia University, based in Montreal, Canada. We feature interviews with ESL learners, teachers, specialists, and B.Ed. students in the TESL program at ConU. Our aim is to highlight different voices in the TESL community so we can broaden our horizons in the field and learn from everyone's unique experiences. We also strive to support B.Ed. students while in the program and transitioning into the workforce through the stories of current students and graduates.

정보

  • 제작진
    TESL Resource Centre
  • 방송 연도
    2021년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    47
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
  • 저작권
    © TESL Resource Centre
  • 웹사이트 보기
    Talking TESL