NESTs and NNESTs: Debunking the myths to rethink, reshape and redefine excellence in ELT
Date: Thursday, 09 May 2024
Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Presenter: Dr Germana Eckert
Presenter: Dr Julie Lim
In 2023, out of the 1.5 billion English speakers worldwide, the majority are English as an additional language (EAL) speakers, surpassing the 380 million native English speakers. Consequently, there has been a significant rise in the number of English language teachers who speak English as an additional language (international educators), outnumbering those who speak English as a first language. Yet, in the TESOL profession, international educators may still find it challenging to have their skills, knowledge and professional experience recognised by key stakeholders – students, fellow teachers, and providers.
This session aims to address common perceptions surrounding the debate between native English-speaking teachers (NEST) and non-native English-speaking teachers (NNEST). It will present a diverse range of studies that challenge these perceptions, showcasing the strengths, value, and contributions of international educators to their students’ learning experiences. The session seeks to provide TESOL leaders with strategies to reconsider and reshape perceptions of international educators, ultimately redefining excellence in English Language Teaching (ELT) to better align with the diverse linguistic landscape of the modern world.
