In this segment, From the Director's Chair,  Farnaz and David (MA, TESOL) explore what it really means to lead in ESL and EAP in Canada during times of rapid change and ongoing uncertainty. They reflect on the transition from teaching to leadership, the realities behind decision-making in educational institutions, and the tension between pedagogical values and operational pressures (think class size changes, etc). 

Throughout the episode, they return to the importance of communication, empathy, and staying grounded in the human side of education, especially as the industry continues to shift in the age of AI  and governmental policy changes.

David Hazell is an educational leader with 20 years of experience in adult education across the UK, Japan, and Canada. He has worked in private, college, and university settings as a teacher and teacher educator, along with extensive experience in program management and running English language departments and centres. He holds a master’s in TESOL from UCL and served on the TESL Ontario Board from 2015 to 2021, including terms as Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer.

EAL= English as an Additional Language

ESL= English as a Second Language

EAP= English for Academic Purposes

COMM= Communications (college-level writing courses)

PD = Professional Development

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