About Us

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!

SATEAL exists to foster and develop the teaching of English as an Additional Language (EAL) in a multi ethnic environment through our conference and website.

SATEAL organises an annual conference for educators across Scotland who are working with bilingual learners and wish to develop their professional skills and knowledge. The SATEAL Conference is an ideal opportunity to network and share with EAL colleagues and professionals from across Scotland.

Kirsten Barrett (Chair)

Rose Nicholls (Treasurer) Highland

Vacancy (Minute Secretary

Christine McCormack (Conference Co-ordinator Glasgow EAL Service

Vacancy – Intern – Kirsten Barrett (Webmaster)

Signe Rudoviča (Member) Scottish Booktrust

Hannah Sycamore (Member) Edinburgh

Rukhsana Ali (Member) East Renfrewshire

Silvia Fiddes (Member) Aberdeenshire EAL Service

Fiona Anderson (Member) Perth, EAL Service

Lucinda Martin (Member) EAL Service, Renfrewshire

Lorna Anderson (MemberLecturer, Queen Margaret University

Please send: any enquiries to enquiries@sateal.org.uk or contact us

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