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Talking TESL

As the official podcast of the TESL Resource Centre, Talking TESL features interviews with current students, alumni, faculty and other community members.

Browse a sample of our episodes for stories about teaching in Quebec and abroad, tips for teachers, and insights on how to navigate student life at Concordia.

Listen and subscribe to Talking TESL on major platforms

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Host and Producer: Sivan Black-Rotchin
Sound Editor: Jackie Gallant
Music: Nomerodin1

Do you have an idea to contribute? Write us at education.tesl-rc@concordia.ca.

Critical pedagogy

podcast cover of episode: "Critical Pegagogy: Delighting in Doubt, Discomfort, and Vulnerability: Discussing Critical Pedagogy"

Part 1: Delighting in Doubt, Discomfort, and Vulnerability: Discussing Critical Pedagogy

Guest: Dr. Nassim Noroozi 

Explore Critical Pedagogy and its role in empowering students as independent thinkers with Dr. Nassim Noroozi by diving into the philosophy coined by Paulo Freire, its relevance in education, challenging the banking model and the significance of vulnerability for teachers.

Listen to this episode on SpotifyApple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

Talking TESL Podcast episode: "Learning from Foreigners: Exploring the Neocolonial Aspects of TESL"

Part 2: Learning from Foreigners: Exploring the Neocolonial Aspects of TESL

Guest: Nina Le

Unveil the complexities of TESL in developing countries and the impact of Western privilege on ESL teaching as graduate student Nina Le shares her experience and insights through questioning the dynamics of language, cultural familiarity and ESL teacher qualifications.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

talking TESL podcast episode, "Masters in Our Own Home? A Candid Conversation about Staying Critical Here in Quebec"

Part 3: Masters in Our Own Home? A Candid Conversation about Staying Critical Here in Quebec

Guest: B.Ed. Student Amani

Explore the application of critical pedagogy within Quebec's educational landscape as high school teacher and B.Ed. graduate Amani delves into the social issues and legislative impacts on the education system, including language tensions, school funding and Bill 21.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Teaching abroad

Talking TESL podcast episode, "All about Teaching Abroad: Lessons from a TESL Grad's Professional Journey"

All about Teaching Abroad: Lessons from a TESL Grad's Professional Journey

Guest: International Teacher, Instructional Coach and Head of Department Samanta

Discover the world of international teaching with TESL graduate Samanta, as she shares invaluable insights on securing jobs, navigating transitions, and excelling as an educator in IB schools across different continents.

Listen to this episode on SpotifyApple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Talking TESL episode, "After the B.Ed: Teaching Kindergarten in Shanghai, China"

After the B.Ed: Teaching Kindergarten in Shanghai, China

Guest: B.Ed. Alumna Yvette

Ease the transition to teaching abroad with B.Ed. alumna Yvette's insights on applying, cultural adaptation, parent-student relationships, and practical tips for teaching in Shanghai, China.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Talking TESL episode, "Teaching in Nunavik: Picking Berries With Students, Dealing With Intense Culture Shock, And Adapting To Radically Different Teaching Environments"

Teaching in Nunavik: Picking Berries With Students, Dealing With Intense Culture Shock, And Adapting To Radically Different Teaching Environments

Guest: B.Ed. Alumnus Sebastien

Explore the challenges and rewards of teaching in Nunavik, Northern Quebec, as B.Ed. TESL graduate Sebastien shares insights on cultural immersion, teacher responsibilities, culture shock, and the complexities of TESL in these Inuit communities. 

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Teaching Primary, Secondary and CEGEP

Talking TESL podcast episode, "Catching up with Alex: A Primary Teacher's Stories and Tips for Successful Teaching"

Catching up with Alex: A Primary Teacher's Stories and Tips for Successful Teaching

Guest: Primary Teacher and TESL grad Alex

Explore the early years of teaching with primary educator Alex, as he shares insights on lesson planning, classroom management, and building rapport with young learners in this inspiring Talking TESL episode, perfect for TESL students, new educators, and veteran teachers alike.

Listen to this episde on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Talking TESL podcast episode, "15 Years a Teacher and Thriving: An ESL Teacher's Wisdom and Advice"

15 Years a Teacher and Thriving: An ESL Teacher's Wisdom and Advice

Guest: Secondary Teacher Katie-Marie Tidy

Join ESL teacher Katie-Marie Tidy as she shares over 15 years of teaching insights, including classroom management, parent communication, internships, and fostering relationships with students, school staff and parents.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Talking TESL podcast episode, "Catching up with Nick: Navigating Post-Pandemic Teaching, Balancing Work and Home, Understanding Imposter Syndrome, and Enjoying the Sabbatical Serenity"

Catching up with Nick: Navigating Post-Pandemic Teaching, Balancing Work and Home, Understanding Imposter Syndrome, and Enjoying the Sabbatical Serenity

Guest: Secondary Teacher and TESL grad Nicholas

Explore the post-pandemic secondary education landscape with high school teacher Nick Garneau as he shares insights on post-pandemic student behaviour, effective communication with parents, work-life balance and more.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Teaching in Quebec

Talking TESL podcast episode, "Understanding Unions: What They Are, and How Do They Help Teachers"

Understanding Unions: What They Are, and How Do They Help Teachers

Guest: Montreal Teachers Association (MTA) President Lori Newton

Gain insights into the role and significance of teacher unions as Lori Newton, President of the Montreal Teachers Association, answers key questions about their importance, negotiation roles, and collective agreements.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Talking TESL podcast episode, "Know Your TESL Terms and Competencies"

Know Your TESL Terms and Competencies

Guest: B.Ed. Alumna and Primary Teacher Sarah

Demystify Quebec's education system with Sarah, Landscape Coordinator at the TESL Resource Centre, as she unpacks essential terms, evaluation systems and teacher competencies.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Talking TESL episode, "Subbing in Primary: Tips, Tricks, and Stories"

Subbing in Primary: Tips, Tricks, and Stories

Guest: B.Ed Student Joëlle

Discover the benefits of substitute teaching for B.Ed. TESL students and gain insights from second-year student Joëlle's experiences navigating classroom challenges and rewarding moments in primary education.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

TESL pedagogy

Talking TESL episode, "Becoming a Playful Teacher: A Conversation about Play, Expertise, and Being Kind to Yourself"

Becoming a Playful Teacher: A Conversation about Play, Expertise, and Being Kind to Yourself

Guest: Dr. Teresa Hernandez Gonzalez

Discover the significance of play in teaching as TESL program director Dr. Teresa Hernandez-Gonzalez shares insights on merging work and play, educator development, and the essence of teaching.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Talking TESL podcast episode, "Teaching Grammar: Exploring The Definition Of Grammar, Different Approaches To Teaching, and How To Engage Our Students"

Teaching Grammar: Exploring The Definition Of Grammar, Different Approaches To Teaching, and How To Engage Our Students

Guest: Dr. Mark McAndrews

Explore the engaging aspects of grammar teaching as Professor Mark McAndrews shares insights on diverse teaching approaches, the evolution of grammar instruction, and strategies for student-centered learning.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Talking TESL episode, "A Critical Coversation about EdTech: When does It Help or Hinder Teaching and Learning?"

A Critical Coversation about EdTech: When does It Help or Hinder Teaching and Learning?

Guest: Dr. Mike Barcomb

Delve into the impact of Educational Technology (EdTech) on teaching practices with Dr. Mike Barcomb, Concordia University's Educational Technologist, as he navigates the balance between its enhancement and potential challenges for learning, platform ethics, and future trends.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. 

TESL student experiences

Talking TESL podcast episode, "A TESL Student Profile: Thoughts about the Program, Teaching Experiences, and Goals beyond the Degree"

A TESL Student Profile: Thoughts about the Program, Teaching Experiences, and Goals beyond the Degree

Guest: B.Ed. Student Stephanie

Listen to the insightful journey of B.Ed. TESL student Stephanie, as she shares her transition from sociology to teaching, valuable advice for aspiring students, evolving teaching philosophy, and future plans as an ESL teacher.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Talking TESL podcast episode, "The 12 Tips You Need to Succeed as a Student in the TESL Program"

The 12 Tips You Need to Succeed as a Student in the TESL Program

Guest: B.Ed. Student & TESL Student Association VP Academic Ariella

Unlock success in the TESL program with TESL Student Association VP Academic Ariella's expert tips, covering organizational strategies and essential advice for new and seasoned students alike.

Listen to this epsiode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

Talking TESL podcast episode, "4 B.Ed. Students Reflect On The Internships: What They Wish They Knew, and How To Make The Most Of The Experience"

4 B.Ed. Students Reflect On The Internships: What They Wish They Knew, and How To Make The Most Of The Experience

Guests: B.Ed. Students Lauren, Amani, Kelly and Nadia

Explore diverse internship experiences in the TESL program as 4 B.Ed. students share candid insights, discussing the challenges, rewards, and valuable lessons learned during their first teaching encounters.

Listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts

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