PODCAST · education
Talking TESL
by 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.
Episodes
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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Queer Voices In TESL: A Candid Conversation With Two TESL Undergrads - With B.Ed. Students August And Erin
Tune in to Talking TESL as we delve into the experiences of students currently in the TESL program. Join us as we sit down with August and Erin, two undergraduate students at different stages of their academic journey. In this episode, we explore their backgrounds, what drew them to TESL, and…
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From First-Year Student To Future TESL Educator: A Fresh Perspective - With TESL Student Erika San Roman
In this episode of Talking TESL , we sit down with Erika San Roman, a first-year TESL student with a fascinating journey that began in Uruguay and led her to Montreal. Erika shares her inspiring experiences in education, offering a unique perspective shaped by her multicultural and multilingual...
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Demystifying The 2023 Teacher Strike - With M.T.A. President Lori Newton
Something very big is happening next week in the world of public sector education in Quebec. Montreal’s largest service centre, the Centre de Service Scolaire de Montreal, will be closed for an indefinite period of time as of Tuesday, November 21st, as thousands of teachers go on strike. The same...
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Catching Up With Nick: Navigating Post-Pandemic Teaching, Balancing Work and Home, Understanding Imposter Syndrome, and Enjoying the Sabbatical Serenity - With Secondary Teaching Nick
In this episode of Talking TESL, we reconnect with high school teacher Nick Garneau, who completed the TESL program in 2012 and has been teaching in secondary education ever since. Our first interview with Nick took place during the peak of the pandemic, amidst the chaos of COVID-19 and the...
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Catching Up With Alex: A Primary Teacher's Stories And Tips For Successful Teaching - With Primary Teacher and TESL Graduate Alex
In this heartwarming episode of Talking TESL, we caught up with Alex, a primary teacher who had just completed his fifth year of teaching at two schools in Laval. Alex invites us into his world of teaching, sharing how he has evolved as a pedagogue in this formative beginning stage of his career....
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15 Years Teaching And Thriving: An ESL Teacher's Wisdom And Advice - With Secondary Teacher Katie-Marie Tidy
Katie-Marie Tidy graduated from the TESL program in 2010 and has been teaching ESL for over 15 years. Her teaching journey wasn't always straightforward. She switched from public school to private, elementary to high school, and her teaching style and philosophy has evolved from year to year. Now...
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A Critical Conversation About EdTech: When Does It Help Or Hinder Teaching And Learning? - With Educational Technologist Dr. Mike Barcomb
Educational technology, or EdTech, is present in all aspects of a teacher's work: from lesson material and delivery, to planning, to communication with students, parents, and staff. In many ways, new technology can enhance learning and streamline many aspects of the job. After all, EdTech is...
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Subbing In Primary: Tips, Tricks, and Stories - With B.Ed. Student Joëlle
If you are completing your B.Ed. in TESL, we recommend you start substitute teaching right away! You don't need your license to get started, and it's a great way to make connections in the school system and experience different classroom environments. Need that extra push to get started?...
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All About Teaching Abroad: Lessons From A TESL Grad's Professional Journey - With TESL Grad And International Educator Samanta
Curious about teaching internationally but have no clue where to begin? TESL graduate Samanta joins us to discuss her professional journey teaching in International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Shanghai and Kuwait. Sam is a truly accomplished educator. After working for two years in Shanghai in…
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Becoming A Playful Teacher: A Conversation About Play, Expertise, And Being Kind To Yourself - With Dr. Teresa Hernandez-Gonzalez
Clinical researcher Stuart Brown once wrote that “play is the vital essence of life.” But what does it really mean to play? How can we incorporate playfulness into our teaching? And why is it important to do so? In this episode, we sit down with TESL program director Dr. Teresa…
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How Much French Do I Need To Succeed In The B.Ed. And Teach ESL In Montreal? - With B.Ed. Graduate Rachel
Are you wondering how much French you’ll need to thrive in your internships and succeed as an English teacher in Montreal? In this episode of Talking TESL, we are joined by Rachel, a graduate of the B.Ed. in TESL. She breaks down her experiences learning French, how she navigated her internships,...
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A TESL Student Profile: Discussing Judo, Male Figures In Education, And Going Back To School As A Mature Student - With B.Ed. Student Reagan
Reagan is a TESL student in his final year of studies. In this long-form episode of Talking TESL, he discusses what brought him to TESL after a career in telecommunications, his connection between judo and teaching, and much more. He delves into his experiences in the program, including insight...
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A TESL Student Profile: Thoughts About The Program, Teaching Experiences, And Goals Beyond The Degree - With B.Ed. Student Stephanie
Curious to hear the voices of our students? In this episode of Talking TESL, we sit down with Stephanie, who is in her third year of the B.Ed. in TESL. Steph initially completed a degree in sociology, but after an impactful language-learning experience in Salamanca, Spain, she decided to pursue...
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The 12 Tips You Need to Succeed as a Student in the TESL Program - With TESLSA VP Academic and TESL Student Ariella
Starting the TESL program can feel daunting for new students. Not only do you have to familiarize yourself with the demands of a new program, but you need to get used to the rhythm of being a student. In this episode, we are joined by the TESLSA VP Academic and TESL student Ariella, who lays down...
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Teaching A Successful Class Last Minute With Nothing But Two Paper Plates - With Mentorship Coordinator Lisa
Have you ever had to teach a class last minute? What about with no materials? As teachers, we are taught that thorough preparation is the foundation of a successful class. However, sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we simply do not have the time to lesson plan. In this episode of...
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Sticking to Your Boundaries and Keeping Calm in the Classroom: A Short Story About Teaching Adults – With B.Ed. Alumna Yvette
It is not uncommon to feel intimidated by students, especially when starting off your teaching career. Whether due to the age of your students, their personalities, or even your working environment, it can be difficult to stick to your boundaries in situations where your position of authority is...
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Objectified by Your Students: Why Is It So Normalized? – With B.Ed. Student Catherine
Many teachers have unfortunately dealt with the uncomfortable experience of being objectified by their students. Whether it's in the form of stares, comments, jokes, unwanted messages, or even touching, these instances are difficult to approach and oftentimes normalized or dismissed by…
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My Secondary Student Told Me I Couldn't Teach Him Anything: Dealing With Student Attitude As A Young Teacher – With B.Ed. Student Yasmine
It can be very challenging to be a young teacher in secondary. Students push your boundaries and question your legitimacy as an authority figure based on your appearance, and it can be difficult to know how to approach these situations. In this 15-minute episode of Talking TESL, B.Ed. student...
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Failing an Internship, Succeeding as a Teacher: Discussing Experiences In The TESL B.Ed. – With High School Teacher And B.Ed. Alumnus Gonzalo
Sometimes struggling during an internship (or even in your first year) can make you feel like you are not in the right field. B.Ed. alumnus Gonzalo talks about an experience that tested his resolve, and ponders the question whether teachers are born or made. Have a 15-minute teaching story you...
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After The B.Ed: Teaching Kindergarten In Shanghai, China – With B.Ed. Alumna Yvette
Many students would like to teach abroad after finishing their teaching degree. However, the process of finding the right school, as well as applying, interviewing, and preparing for the new experience can be daunting and overwhelming. On top of that, teaching in a different country can feel like...
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Understanding Unions: What They Are, And How Do They Help Teachers – With M.T.A. President Lori Newton
Typically, teaching is a unionized job. Unions are wonderful support systems that advocate on behalf of workers. However, sometimes at the beginning of your teaching career, it can be difficult to understand exactly how your union is there to help you. Especially in your first year, it is often...
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8 Things I Wish I Knew About Teaching in CEGEP – With Two CEGEP Teachers Beginning Their Careers
Teaching in CEGEP is a career goal for many teachers. This educational system, which is unique to Quebec, acts as an intermediary between high school and university. It is a time where students can explore their interests and transition gently into a stage of life with more responsibility.…
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Going Back To School As A Mother: Discussing Unique B.Ed. Experiences, Managing Family Life And Studies, And Being A Mature Student – With B.Ed. Students Ellie And Nairy
One unique aspect of the TESL program is that we have numerous students who are also mothers. In a very special interview, we sit down with two mothers working towards their teaching degree. They discuss their personal challenges, some tips, and how they feel motherhood has influenced their...
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Masters In Our Own Home? A Candid Conversation About Staying Critical Here In Quebec - With B.Ed. Student Amani - Part 3
To progress in our field we need to constantly be thinking critically about current practices and the status quo of teaching. In this 3-part series, we have defined critical pedagogy and discussed its history and relevance to our current teaching conditions. We have also explored the neocolonial...
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Learning From Foreigners: Exploring The Neocolonial Aspects Of TESL With M.A. Student Nina Le - Part 2
In this second part of our series on critical pedagogy, we cast a critical eye on perhaps one of the most familiar TESL contexts: Teaching English as a Second Language abroad, especially in developing countries. There is no question that for many teachers, TESL represents an enriching travel...
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Delighting In Doubt, Discomfort, And Vulnerability: Discussing Critical Pedagogy With Dr. Nassim Noroozi - Part 1
“When we teach, we legitimize certain views of the world, which means that others are disregarded.” (Grady, 1991) Teaching is an act of empowering students to become independent thinkers and actors in society. But how can we do that? What does taking on that role demand of us teachers? Critical...
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4 B.Ed. Students Reflect On The Internships: What They Wish They Knew, and How To Make The Most Of The Experience – With B.Ed. Students Amani, Kelly, Lauren and Nadia
Internships are an integral part of the TESL program. They are an opportunity to learn through doing, make connections with others in the field, and put the theory learned in class into actual practice. The internships may represent one's first foray into actual teaching in front of students.…
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Know Your TESL Terms and Competencies – With B.Ed. Alumna and Primary Teacher Sarah
The education system here in Quebec is full of programs, organizational structures and terms that to those unfamiliar can feel quite daunting and overwhelming. How does our evaluation system work? What are the competencies teachers must cover throughout the year? What kind of terminology does a…
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Assessment and Evaluation: Discussing Different Approaches, Scaffolding, And The Role Of Mental Health – With Prof. Heike Neumann
Assessing students can be a point of stress for a lot of teachers. There are so many questions to consider: are my assessments fair? Have they been scaffolded? Is there a golden ratio between formative and summative assessments? What format should they be? Are my rubrics clear? Do my assessments...
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Talking TESL is Taking a Break!
Hi fellow TESL-enthusiasts! Talking TESL will be taking a month-long break. But don't worry! We'll be back in September right in time for the new school semester with plenty new interviews featuring teachers, TESL specialists, learners, and TESL students. Stay tuned, and we wish you all a…
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The First Year Teaching: Reflecting On The Challenges, Rewarding Moments, And Unforeseen Experiences – With B.Ed. Alumnae Pilar And Rosa Li
The first year teaching can be exciting as it is daunting. It's that step TESL students have been preparing years for. To really get into the nitty-gritty of that first year, we are joined by two graduates of the B.Ed. in TESL, Pilar and Rosa Li, to discuss their diverse experiences. How can new...
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Teaching in CEGEP: Drumming Up Student Motivation, Crafting Lessons, and Automatic Essay Evaluation – With CEGEP Teacher Nick Walker
CEGEP is a wonderful institution unique to Quebec. Rather than diving straight into university at the tender age of 18, students are able to explore their interests and get a taste of independence. The CEGEP years are a special time for many students, as they are usually one step in childhood…
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Teaching Grammar: Exploring The Definition Of Grammar, Different Approaches To Teaching, and How To Engage Our Students – With Prof. Mark McAndrews
For some, grammar has a reputation for being the "boring" aspect of language learning. However, grammar is fascinating! All languages have their own unique grammatical system, and there is so much potential for it to be taught in a way that is engaging. For that reason, in this episode we are...
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Teaching in Nunavik: Picking Berries With Students, Dealing With Intense Culture Shock, And Adapting To Radically Different Teaching Environments – With B.Ed. Alumnus Sebastien
Teacher shortages in Nunavik, Northern Quebec, often force these Inuit communities to hire teachers from “the south.” For these teachers, taking these contracts can represent a life-changing decision that is equal parts rewarding and challenging. In this episode, we are visited again by…
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Teaching Abroad in Colombia: Landing Jobs, Culture Shock, and Adapting To Different Teaching Environments – With B.Ed. Alumnus Sebastien
Teaching in a different country is a goal for many students pursuing their teaching degree. In this episode, we are joined by Sebastien, a graduate of the B.Ed. in TESL, who is here to share his experience teaching in Colombia, South America. Why did he decide to teach in Colombia? What kind of...
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Teaching in High School: Classroom Management, Work/Life Balance, and Teenage Hormones – With B.Ed. Alumnus Nick
Thinking of teaching in high school? In this episode of Talking TESL, we are joined by Nicolas, a graduate of the B.Ed. in TESL who is happy in his career teaching secondary. We discuss Nick’s teaching trajectory after graduation, classroom management techniques, the highs and lows of high school...
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Taking Over a Teaching Contract While Still In The Program: Experiences Of A Young Teacher – With B.Ed. Student Catherine
More often than not, the best way to learn is by doing. In this episode, we are joined by Catherine, an undergraduate student completing her B.Ed. in TESL. She decided to take some time off from school in the middle of her studies in order to teach in high school. We discuss her experiences as a...
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Teaching In Elementary: A TESL Grad Reflects On The Beginning Of His Career – With B.Ed. Alumnus Alex
Many B.Ed. graduates aspire to teach in elementary schools after graduation. In this episode, we are joined by Alex, who is a graduate of the B.Ed. in TESL at Concordia University. Alex teaches at an elementary school in Laval, and he is here to talk about his day-to-day life, how to land jobs...
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Talking TESL Intro
Hello TESL enthusiasts! Welcome to Talking TESL, the official podcast of Concordia University’s TESL Resource Centre. We’re here to help you survive and thrive throughout your teaching degree program and starting off your teaching career! With Talking TESL you can expect interviews with B.Ed...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
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TESL Resource Centre
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Talking TESL have?
Talking TESL currently has 47 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Talking TESL about?
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...
How often does Talking TESL release new episodes?
Talking TESL has 47 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Talking TESL?
You can listen to Talking TESL on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Talking TESL?
Talking TESL is created and hosted by TESL Resource Centre.
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