A conference to train and encourage Christians who are involved in or interested in church-based English as a Second Language programs
Program and Workshops
Date: October 26, 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 8:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Martin Grove Baptist Church, 35 Hedges Blvd, Etobicoke, ON M9B 3C3 (map)*
Parking: Ample free parking on church premises, and plenty of street parking
TTC Information: From Kipling Subway Station take Bus 46 Martin Grove to Steeles. At 15 minutes, alight on Martin Grove Road at Dewitt Road. Walk back 1/2 block and turn east on Hedges Boulevard to Martin Grove Baptist Church (about two minutes.)
Entrance to the Church: If you come by TTC, walk in on Hedges Blvd. If you park in the parking lot, walk in on sidewalks to the Lower or Middle Levels. Once in the building you can easily find your way following wall signs to the Upper Level’s Library for registration.
Format: This conference is in-person only. Capacity is limited to 80.
Conference Cost: $25 Regular Program, $30 Getting Started in Teaching ESL (includes printing cost for handbook). $12 optional sandwich/wrap lunch extra (pre-order on registration form)**. Cash at the door only for all fees.
Online Registration opens Sept 10! Scroll down to the bottom of this page (after the workshop descriptions) to find a link to the Registration Form.
Program for the Day (Eastern Time)
8:15 – 8:45 Registration
8:45 – 8:55 Worship and Devotional
9:00 – 10:00 Workshop Session A
10:00 – 10:25 Coffee Break
10:30 – 11:30 Workshop Session B
11:40 – 12:10 Keynote Address
12:10 – 1:25 Lunch
1:30 – 2:30 Workshop Session C
* SOCEM Gathering XIX meets on all levels of Martin Grove Baptist Church. Wheelchair access between levels is via outside walkways.
** You could bring your own lunch. There is no good eatery within 1.5 km of the church.
Keynote Address
11:40 – 12:10 ET
Topic: “Herald of His Kingdom – The Eternal Significance of Serving Newcomers and Refugees”
Keynote Speaker: Rev. CY Yan. CY can be best described as a “missionary-pastor”. He currently serves as Director for Connections East Asia at OMF Canada – a mission that traces its origin to China Inland Mission, which was founded by Hudson Taylor in 1865. In this capacity, he seeks to come alongside of East Asian diasporas across the country, help build indigenous biblical church movements in their midst, and see them become missionary sending forces. CY has recently taken on two volunteer roles: (1) Advisory Pastor for the English Ministry at Toronto Grace Alliance Church, and (2) Board member of International Association For Refugees. He spent most of his Sunday mornings speaking as an itinerant preacher in various churches as part of his extended ministry. CY is also a board member and an active organizer and instructor of Perspectives Canada.
Workshop Descriptors and Bios
Getting Started in Teaching ESL Module (All Day)
This module runs parallel to the workshop sessions throughout the entire day. If you choose this module, you will not attend the other workshops.
Getting Started in Teaching ESL Module (click for details)
Descriptor: This module is specifically for people who have no teaching or ESL experience but would like to get started in ESL ministry. The program provides some background in understanding different learning styles and second language acquisition and also includes practical instruction on how to teach ESL students English pronunciation and grammar as well as how to set up an ESL ministry in your church. All participants will receive a 40-50-page Getting Started handbook made up of notes and handouts from the program.
Presenter: Colin Brewster has been teaching English to non-native speakers for over 40 years. He began in Turkey, continued in China, and for 20 years taught ESL and Communications in local Community Colleges in Toronto. He has a TESL certificate from the University of Toronto. Colin is involved in the ESL outreach of Trinity Grace Church, Toronto where he enjoys developing and testing different teaching tools and materials for Church-based ESL programs.
Workshop Session A: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
(Choose one from Workshops 1-3. We will try to honour your choice. However, due to room constraints, please indicate your first and second choice on the registration form.)
Workshop 1: Why does my student say tank you? – An analysis of English consonant sounds and how to correct them in different language groups – Roslyn Zehr (click for details)
Description: In this workshop, Roslyn will take you on a guided tour of the mouth and its amazing articulators. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet, we will examine English consonant sounds in terms of place, manner, and voicing. Then, we will analyze common pronunciation errors made by students from different language backgrounds and discuss various correction strategies and resources for improvement. Detailed reference materials will be provided.
Presenter: Roslyn Zehr. Roslyn first discovered the joys of teaching English over 30 years ago when she worked for one summer as a volunteer mission servant in Venezuela. Soon after, she earned her MA-TESL degree at Penn State University and taught for several years in PSU’s intensive English program. After marrying and moving to Ontario in 2001, Roslyn continued working as an ESL instructor at Fanshawe College, Conestoga College, and Renison University College – where she currently teaches courses in oral communication, pronunciation, writing and grammar. In 2013, she helped organize the ESL Community Outreach program (sponsored by local congregations of Lutheran Church-Canada in the Kitchener-Waterloo area) and served as the co-ordinator for seven years.
Workshop 2: Why teach grammar anyway? – Carol Blake (click for details)
Description: A discussion of why and how to incorporate grammar teaching and practice into ESL conversation-based classes and some ideas for effective activities to go with conversation topics.
Presenter: Carol Blake. Carol graduated with a Master’s degree in Linguistics and a TESL certificate from the University of Toronto in 1982. For the last 40+ years, she has been involved in teaching various aspects of English and language learning in first language, second language, and foreign language situations. Currently, she lives and teaches in Kitchener.
Workshop 3: Top 10 Tips for Supporting Newcomers in Navigating the Canadian Job
Market – Sandy Ho (click for details)
Description: Finding a job might not seem hard, but navigating the intricate system of cultural expectations and staying at a job with potential is a different story. Join us for an insightful session designed for ESL teaching volunteers, where we delve into the sociolinguistic challenges newcomers face in the Canadian job market. Understanding that different cultures have unique norms and expectations, this workshop will provide you with 10 essential tips to help guide your students through the complexities of job hunting. From resume differences and effective networking to mastering social interactions, understanding workers’ rights, and strategies for job retention, this session will empower you to support your students in building successful careers in Canada.
Presenter: Sandy Ho. Sandy has been an Adult ESL instructor with the YCDSB for over 7 years. She holds a Master’s in Applied Linguistics and Exegesis, a TESL Canada Level 3 Professional Certificate, a TESL Ontario Certificate, and is PBLA (Portfolio-Based Language Assessments) trained. Before working with new immigrants, she served as the Academic Director and Curriculum Developer for a chain of private language schools across North America, overseeing 10 institutions. Sandy has also worked as an IELTS Assessor, Spanish and Linguistics instructor, and private tutor. She leverages technology extensively in her teaching and develops many online resources. Beyond the classroom, Sandy is dedicated to helping her students transition to life in Canada, assisting them in understanding cultural nuances and raising their cultural awareness. She provides emotional and spiritual support, walking alongside many as a life coach.
Workshop Session B: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
(Choose one from Workshops 4-6. We will try to honour your choice. However, due to room constraints, please indicate your first and second choice on the registration form.)
Workshop 4: Helping Young Immigrants Settle in a New Country: Experiences in the Canadian Context – Benjamin Ngai (with host Jeff McCarrell). (click for details)
Description: Project Emmanuel is a 6-month residency program (free of charge) in the Greater Toronto Area for young adults arriving from foreign countries including Hong Kong and Ukraine. Together with our program partners, we offer a structured program including communal living, spirituality classes, and volunteering opportunities with local charities. In this workshop, I will share highlights from the program including successes and challenges, and lessons we learnt. I will also share the story of how Project Emmanuel started and its reach.
Presenter: Benjamin Ngai (with host Jeff McCarrell). Dr. Benjamin Ngai is the founder of Project Emmanuel. He is a staff physician in Internal Medicine at William Osler Health System, Etobicoke General Hospital, a community hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Ngai was an active member of North Toronto Chinese Baptist Church and served on its executive board from 2018 to 2021. Dr. Ngai also serves on the board of directors of Music for Every Child, a youth-led charity dedicated to raising awareness and support for children with intellectual disabilities through music.
Workshop 5: Pragmatics: how Culture and Context affect Communication – Lydia Mountney (click for details)
Description: As language teachers, we often focus on vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation and leave more subtle aspects of language to higher level learners. This workshop explores Pragmatics, or how communication is affected by culture and context and how essential this is for learners of all levels. The workshop is intended for inexperienced teachers but all are welcome.
Presenter: Lydia Mountney. Lydia has been an ESL teacher for 25 years and has been a teacher trainer for over 20. She has trained teachers at Tyndale University College and Seminary and was a teacher trainer for the University of Cambridge CELTA program. For 20 years she was the Director of the Don Valley ESL Centre, a language school that operates out of Don Valley Bible Chapel and is currently Language Assessment Team Lead at the YMCA. Her overseas teaching and training experience includes work in Senegal, Niger, Madagascar and the UK. Lydia is also actively involved in music ministry and lives in Toronto with her husband and 2 daughters.
Workshop 6: Introducing two ESL Bible curricula: “The Book of Esther” and “Light of the World” – Ros Farmer and Carey Jo Johnston (click for details)
Description: In this workshop, two experienced ESL teachers will introduce their Bible-based curricula:
Esther is an illustrated ESL study written in simplified English with discussion questions. Each chapter contains the full NET Bible passage for reference, and historical/cultural passages on its Ancient Persia setting. Attendees will take away a full coloured copy of the study, with free access to the electronic copies.
Light of the World is a free digital (and print) curriculum that includes Bible-content. Each lesson has a consistent format which includes vocabulary, conversations, grammar, and pronunciation. The lessons are easy to use for volunteer, non-professional teachers, and easy for English Learners. The levels are in line with the CEFR benchmarks (an international standard for describing language ability). Attendees will receive a handout of a sample lesson plus information about how to access this curriculum.
Presenters: Ros Farmer. Ros taught science and chemistry with the Toronto District School Board before her retirement 10 year ago. Ros has been involved with the ESL ministry at Bayview Glen Church for more than 20 years. During this time, she has been part of the registration team and has been teaching conversational Bible studies.
Carey Jo Johnston. Rev. Carey Jo Johnston is the Managing Director for Literacy & Evangelism International Canada. She has served as a mission consultant with Literacy & Evangelism International (LEI) first in the USA since 1989 and in Canada since 2004. Literacy & Evangelism equips the church to share the message of Jesus Christ through the gift of reading and conversational English. They help develop Bible-content Literacy and ESL materials as well as train volunteer teachers and teacher trainers. Carey Jo lives in Arnprior (Ottawa Valley) where her husband, Rev. Paul Johnston, is the minister at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian, Arnprior.
Workshop Session C: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
(Choose one from Workshops 7-9. We will try to honour your choice. However, due to room constraints, please indicate your first and second choice on the registration form.)
Workshop 7: Strengthening English Abilities Using Great Literature – Jeff McCarrell (click for details)
Description: Storytelling, poems, fairy tales, and nursery rhymes have both enchanted and educated children the world over. Similarly, adults also love poems, songs, proverbs, and short stories as part of their English learning diet. Sayings from Jesus, the Bible’s Wisdom Literature, and favourite works from Tolstoy, Karen Blixen, George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis and Tolkien will be presented. There are lots of ways to use the original text, audio recordings and videos. These skilled authors/teachers demonstrate varied and powerful grammar, idioms, style, and vocabulary, while engaging the learner with insights into God and humankind, the Gospel, human’s wretchedness and beauty, and how they lose their bearings and are found. How might you use literature to add spice and engage people’s deep questions?
Presenter: Jeff McCarrell. Jeff was trained in missions with the Canadian Baptist Ministries among Somali in the Horn of Africa and at Regent College in Vancouver, BC. For 35 years Jeff has served with congregations and with Dixon Women’s ESL Classes in Etobicoke, seeking to make Christ known to predominantly Muslim neighbours.
Workshop 8: Understanding Challenges Immigrants Face – Jenny Zhang (click for details)
Description: Immigrants face a myriad of challenges that impact their emotional, social, psychological, economic, and financial well-being. Often hidden beneath the surface, these obstacles are difficult to address and overcome. However, there is hope. Increased awareness and support from communities, organizations, and policy makers can help alleviate these challenges. This presentation will delve into the specific hurdles immigrants face and explore strategies to support and empower them on their journey. It will help us care for our newcomer students in a wholistic way.
Presenter: Jenny Zhang. Jenny is a Social Service Worker in Ontario. She works on the frontline with immigrants and newcomers, providing essential support and resources. Currently, she serves with the York Catholic School Board, where she plays a crucial role in helping immigrant families navigate the language and educational challenges of settling in a new country. Jenny’s extensive experience includes direct support work, advocacy, and program development aimed at improving the well-being of immigrant communities. Her dedication and expertise make her a vital asset in fostering inclusive and supportive environments for newcomers.
Workshop 9: Practical Points and A Game Plan to Encourage Basic/Beginning Learners (And Have Fun Learning English) – Sandi Howell (click for details)
Description: Where do I start? What resources are there for lessons? Is there an all-in-one resource for these levels or do I have to make up my own activity sheets? How do I make it fun and interactive for an adult learner? What topics do I start with?
Good questions! There are some essential building blocks of every lesson we should try to remember to include – formally or informally. Let’s get together and talk about it! Interactively, we will delve into various relevant parts of having a fun and full basic/beginner lesson.
Presenter: Sandi Howell. Sandi has been an active missionary member with her husband, Don, for 32 years, with OMF International. She is Connections East Asia (CEA)’s Coordinator for ESOL, using ESL as an outreach to East Asians in Canada. CEA has resources and training for individuals and Canadian churches to reach newcomers in their midst. Sandi has 22+ years of ESL ministry experience at every level including literacy, and has taught overseas in Singapore, in Edmonton, AB and in the Greater Toronto Area. She is a professional member of TESL Ontario. As a lead tutor for the Conversational English classes at Trinity Streetsville for 13 years, and the lead of the Newcomers ESL Hub at The Peoples Church for the past 5 years, and now, on-line teacher, she has experience in adapting materials to help students develop and practise conversation skills while having fun.
The Getting Started in Teaching ESL Module as well as all the workshops are eligible for PD hours. If you are a member of TESL Ontario and are interested, please indicate on the registration form, so we can prepare the certificates.