Can non-native speakers of English become good TEFL teachers?!

okay, hold on ! I know what you are thinking ,The title of this post is somewhat absurd…“Can non-native speakers of English become good TEFL teachers?” There are thousands of brilliant non-native ESOL teachers all over the world, including Algeria, UK, Canada and everywhere. Asking if they CAN be good teachers is slightly insulting…Talking about the strengths and weakness of both native and non-native ESOL teachers would sound much more sensible... Then we shall discuss that .

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This is a source of constant debate in the TEFL world. Here in Algeria, many private schools (employers and students) request native speaker teachers. They hold beliefs, or prejudices, such as:

British speak proper English not like Americans

My German / Dutch /Spanish teacher of English knows grammar but speaks with a terrible accent

I want to speak proper English like my British / American/ Australian / teacher, movie start, Hero!!

This is a complex and controversial topic and I don’t presume to know the answer. In fact, I’m not exactly sure how we can define native speakers anymore. What I’d like to do is present both sides of the argument and let you make up your own minds:

Native Speaker Teachers are better because….

• They provide accurate pronunciation models for learners

• They can explain lots of idioms and colloquial phrases

• Students will use their English to communicate with native speakers

• They can show me how to use the grammar in the way it is actually spoken / written

Non-native Speaker Teachers are better because…..

• They use an international form of English that can be understood by everybody.

• They don’t use these idiomatic English. They can communicate clearly and unambiguously.

• Students will use their English to communicate with people from all around the world. English is now an international language.

• They had to learn it as a second language so they know how to explain it in a clear and accessible way.

Our mission needs your support, instead of debating for eternity , why not speak up #NNEST_CAN_TEACH and try to bring both worlds by becoming the liaison that connects and intiate a spark towards quality education in Algeria and joining worldwide forces to make learning accessible.

What do you all think?

What other reasons can you think of why native speakers or non-native speakers make better teachers.

We love to know what you think so please add your comments and click away those buttons :)

#NNEST #Learning #TEFL #EFL #Teachers #Algeria #global