Our History:

SATEAL (or SATESL as it was originally called) was formed in the late 70's, when the arrival of the Vietnamese Boat People brought ESL into greater prominence in Scotland.  Betty Barr, who was ESL Coordinator for Fife, convened a national meeting of ESL teachers  at Balwearie High School, Kirkcaldy.  Ollie McLaughlan, the Rector of Balwearie, took an active interest in ESL and attended the meeting.  According to him, he came up with the suggestion of forming an association for the teachers of ESL in Scotland.  He threatened to lock the doors and keep the participants there until they came up with a name and elected office-bearers!

Welcome to The Scottish Association for Teaching English as an
Additional Language


We provide useful resources for those of you teaching English as an additional language.
Annually we hold a conference and publish a newsletter. (updated Feb 09)

SATEAL Conference 2009

We would like to invite SATEAL members and non-members to the annual SATEAL conference on Saturday 21st March 2009 at the Auchterderran Centre, Fife.

“Changing (class)Rooms!” key speaker Mick Waters

conference details

The Conference organiser is Gill Aichison, email: DDgaitchison873@ea.dundeecity.sch.uk

Each year the SATEAL Committee organises a conference for teachers and staff in Scotland who are working with Bilingual and EAL pupils in schools.
There is usually a renowned speaker, some workshop sessions and resources on display plus the invaluable opportunity to network with professionals in this field from across Scotland.

A review of 2008’s conference will be in the next newsletter - the feedback was excellent.