Faculty of Education welcomes U of A English Language School

New partnership starting April 1 will enhance collaboration and advance research in English Language Learning.

11 February 2022

Effective April 1, 2022, the Faculty of Education will be the new home for the English Language School (ELS), which is currently situated in the Faculty of Extension.

The English Language School is a robust and responsive provider of English language education and customized professional development programs, contributing to the University of Alberta’s international engagement goals and creating a bridge between the university and learners around the world. Annually, it supports close to 2,000 students through the delivery of programs and courses taught by highly qualified instructors.

Home to the largest undergraduate teacher education program in Canada, and to the Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Program, the Faculty of Education aims to be a flourishing and diverse community that excels, innovates, and transforms society through high quality, meaningful teaching, research and service. The TESL Program emphasizes the importance of helping teachers understand both instructional and research principles to assist them in adapting to the changing face of ESL. Faculty members in TESL are looking forward to welcoming the ELS to the Faculty of Education.

“We are excited that the English Language School, with its established tradition of excellence, will join the Faculty of Education in its mission of transformative teaching and learning, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity,” said Dr. Jennifer Tupper, Dean of Education. “Given our shared commitments, the Faculty and the ELS will explore opportunities to enhance collaboration and advance research in English Language Learning for the benefit of all.”

“The move of the ELS to the Faculty of Education is a wonderful development for our students, instructors and staff, and one that will help to build stronger relationships with partner departments and faculties through a dialogue of shared understanding and values,” added Dr. Donald Mason, Interim Director of ELS. “We very much look forward to working more closely with our colleagues in the TESL Program on future developments.”

You can find more information about the School on their webpages: https://ext.ualberta.ca/els.