On October 30^th the ETEA will host a series of round table discussions and a social for ESL teachers from across Vancouver.  The event will run from 3:45 to 7:00 pm at the YWCA (535 Hornby Street) in Welch Room 1, on the fourth floor.  All ESL teachers in the public, non-profit and private sectors are invited to attend and take part in discussions and enjoy some food and beverages.  Where is the ESL industry going and how will this affect teachers?  Can ESL teaching be a long-term career or will we always be stuck with part-time and temporary work?  Do teachers have the working conditions they need to deliver high quality education?  These are some of the questions that will be discussed.  We look forward to seeing you there.

ETEA members came out to support Vancouver Community College teachers and students at the VCC board of governors’ meeting on September 24^th.  With dozens of vital ESL programs for immigrants and refugees and 70 good union jobs facing elimination in December the ESL Matters campaign sought to delay the board’s vote on the matter until after meeting with the provincial government again to pressure it to restore funding.  There were many moving testimonials presented to the board but the most powerful came from students who spoke of how these programs made them feel like full members of the community and gave them opportunities to pursue their dreams.  ETEA will continue to support the ESL matters campaign and our brothers and sisters in the VCC Faculty Association (FPSE Local 15).