The ESL PSA* is an organization of professionals striving to:

• Improve the quality of ESL/D education in British Columbia
• Promote a greater awareness of ESL/D and the needs of ESL students and educators
• Stimulate improvement and quality ESL/D education throughout the province

Canada ranks in the top 10 in terms of numbers, when it comes to countries that receive immigrants and refugees on an annual basis. BC and, in particular, Vancouver and the urban areas that surround it, receive the second highest numbers of such “new Canadians” in Canada.

One direct result of this is that English as an additional language learners in BC public schools are rapidly increasing. In fact, these learners now constitute the majority in most of the larger urban school districts, and their numbers are increasing significantly in more and more areas of the province. It is, therefore, critical that we support these new learners – our future citizens and taxpayers – as effectively as possible.

This is the mandate of the ESL PSA – soon to become the ELL PSA. We welcome you to join us and participate in various ways:

• Become a member so you are first to get the latest information, our newsletters and conference updates [click on the membership page for details].
• Browse our archives for helpful information and to learn more about the PSA.
• Contribute to our newsletter. We are always looking for relevant submissions. Contact our newsletter editor for details. [ snraouf@gmail.com ]
• Share your views, concerns and suggestions by contacting any of our executive members.
• Contribute ideas, tips and links to this website by sending them to the webmaster directly. [ shelmer@shaw.ca ]

 The ESL PSA is a PSA of the  BC Teachers’ Federation