About ATESOLNSW
50 years of helping
We are a community of educators, dedicated to helping improve the educational outcomes for learners of English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) and promoting multilingualism. We proudly support all learners including our first nations people who speak a traditional language or dialect, students from refugee backgrounds, and recent migrants.
ATESOL NSW Inc. is a non-profit professional association for teachers that was formed in 1971, as ATEFL. It assumed its current name in March 2002. ATESOL NSW is an affiliate of the Australian Council of TESOL Associations (ACTA), which is the peak body for all state and territory TESOL associations in Australia.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote the development of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) expertise of specialist and class teachers in order to improve educational outcomes for learners of English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D), including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who speak traditional Indigenous languages, creoles and varieties of Aboriginal English.
Membership of ATESOL NSW, means joining a community of teachers who believe deeply that what we do is more than just a job, we are passionate about helping learners discover their interests, strengths and realise their personal potential.
Our Plan
ATESOL NSW Strategic Plan 2024-2026
Our Goal
An empowered professional community developing EAL/D teaching, leadership and advocacy that improves EAL/D learner participation and achievement in school and post-school education settings.
Our Council
As a non-profit association, we rely on the generosity, passion and volunteer time of a core group of professionals. We love welcoming new members to our Council, to bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and to share the effort required to keep ATESOL strong. Our current Council members are:
Executive Committee
President
Michael Michell
Vice President
Robyn Johnson
Vice President
Honglin Chen
Treasurer
Mark Fraser
Secretary
Luke Nolan
Other Council Roles
Public Officer
Margaret Turnbull
ACTA Councillors
Michael Michell
Margaret Turnbull
MEAG Representative
Michael Michell
Governance Convenor
Kathy Rushton
Professional Learning Convenor
Bess Wassman
HSC EAL/D English Course
Margaret Wajs
Newsletter Editors
Glenice Aiken
Marina Pearce
Communications
Mark Fraser
Anthony Wotring
Advocacy
Michael Michell
Margaret Turnbull
Melanie Davies
Chris Davison
Honglin Chen
Conference Committee
Michael Michell
Mark Fraser
Margaret Turnbull
Melanie Davies
Chris Davison
Honglin Chen
Andy Gao
Alice Chik
2025 Council Meetings
19 February, 30 April, 18 June, 20 August, 12 November AGM + Council Meeting to follow afterwards.
Our meetings are via Zoom at 7pm (AEST) on Wednesday nights. If you are a financial member and would like to attend our next meeting or add items on the Agenda, please email: atesolnswinc@gmail.com
2024 AGM: President’s AGM Report
ATESOL Ambassador - Irena Kobald
Irena is the author of children's books and an artist. Born in a mountain village in Austria with a Masters in Russian, Irena learned English through her own informal education. Did you know she has completed her TESOL qualifications at the University of Southern Queensland? Her first book, My Two Blankets, covers themes including cultural diversity, integration and social issues. It also talks of family, friendship and feelings, bringing together not only the broader context of inclusion but the rich conversations around how we connect as individuals.
Visit her website to find out more!
ACTA
As a member of ATESOL NSW you are automatically become a member of the Australian Council of TESOL Associations (ACTA). This national TESOL association is made up of all members from state and territory ATESOL NSW associations. As an ACTA member you have access to professional learning offered by any affiliate ATESOL NSW association, to national ACTA conferences, to advocacy information and to the TESOL in Context journal.