Christians are taught the rightness of "loving their neighbour" (the second greatest command, according to Jesus). We teach volunteers how - specifically - to love the non-Canadian-born Newcomer who feels unsure of their English and unaccustomed to this culture.
Every year, Cooperative ESL Ministries provides training to Christian volunteers who want to welcome newcomers to Calgary. This training helps volunteers facilitate ESL classes, conversation groups, Bible studies, and Alpha courses.
Networking Event
This event takes place in the early Spring and is for all either currently or potentially involved in a church-based ESL program. An inspiring keynote speaker, together with sharing from the various programs, plus tables of community resources available, always makes this a great time!
Spring Training
This professional development training conference occurs over one weekend in the late Spring. In addition to the Plenary Speakers, we offer two tracks: one specifically on ESL skills, and one on the wider issues of acculturation, family, workplace preparation, and/or community resources (for referrals). We often like to have successful immigrants address us to hear their stories of what they found helpful and what was not. Great fellowship and sharing resources rounds out a rich experience.
Fall 30 Hour Training Program
Our intensive 30-Hour Training Program that extends over a one-month period (three weekends in total) each fall. A maximum of 35 trainees can attend the Training Program. Each trainee receives a comprehensive training manual, a Clearly Speaking text, the Canadian Language Benchmarks manual, and a CD with numerous resources for your church-based ESL program. Participants who finish the training and observe two ESL classes will receive a CESLM Training Certificate.
During the Training Program trainees will have an opportunity to observe demonstrations of conversation-style lessons, and will be matched up with volunteer ESL students to practice their ESL facilitation skills. By the end of the Training Program you will be inspired and prepared to start your own church-based ESL program!
Content areas in the 30-Hour Training Program include:
- Spiritual Foundations
- Who Are Our Learners?
- Interculturalism
- Adult Learning Principles
- How to Teach Pronunciation
- How to do Grammar Interventions
- How to Plan Theme-Based Conversational-Style Lessons
- How to Start an ESL Program in your Church
- Ways of Doing ESL Bible Studies
- Introduction to Canadian Language Benchmarks
- Resources and Referrals
Sign Up for a Training Event
Visit the Upcoming Events page to sign up for one of CESLM's upcoming training events or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Other Training Opportunities
Training events sponsored by ATESL (www.atesl.ca) and VESL (www.vesl.ca) are included in CESLM's monthly newsletter. Also, be sure to see the For Teachers page for many valuable sites for self-study.