Educators have always prepared learners for what comes next. But as academic, professional, and social expectations evolve, English learners must develop the skills to thrive in a variety of increasingly complex situations.
Professional Development for Young Learner Teachers: Three Strategies School Leaders Can Use
As a school leader in Japan, I have noticed how much focus is placed on the need for young learner educators to develop high levels of English language proficiency. But all educators, even those with strong English proficiency, may need support with the spontaneous and interactive nature of a young
Future-Ready Students Need Future-Ready Educators
The job market our students are preparing to enter looks very different from the one most of us entered ourselves. Artificial intelligence, global collaboration, digital transformation, and ever-changing career pathways are reshaping the skills people need to thrive. While subject knowledge remains important, employers increasingly value more than just technical expertise. During my talks at the National Geographic Learning Experience Brazil in May 2026, educators were
An English Language Educator’s Guide to Giving and Receiving Feedback
As educators, one of our most important tools for effective communication is feedback. We know it can create powerful change for the better. But why does the idea of giving feedback so often make us uncomfortable?
Creating a Culture of Visible Learning at School and Home
Two groups play a particularly important role in making a culture of visible learning sustainable: school leaders and families. This post is mostly for school leaders, but the tips on how to involve families will strike a chord with teachers as well.
Differentiation for Young Learners: The “Low Floor, High Ceiling” Approach
In my last post, I wrote about differentiated instruction for teens in the secondary classroom. In this post, I’ll focus on differentiation for young learners in the primary classroom.
The Power of Play-Based Learning in Young Learner Classrooms
I have noticed that many families feel there is not any learning happening within play-based classrooms. However, schools are increasingly recognizing the need for more balanced alternative methods of learning that are relevant for children now.
Staying Motivated as an English Language Educator
Feeling burned out? This blog post shares tips for staying motivated and expanding your passion for English language teaching.
Global Communication Skills in ELT: Insights from Today’s Educators
Whether we call them future skills, employability skills, transferable skills or life skills, there is no doubt that more and more organisations are highlighting their importance as the world becomes more connected and more diverse than ever before. Educators, including those in ELT, are pushing to include these soft skills
Outcomes-Based Assessment In Practice
In my previous blog post, I explored why replacing an instruments-based approach to assessment with an outcomes-based one can be beneficial for students. I explained what outcomes-based assessment actually is and gave some examples. I imagine some readers might have thought: “This is easier said than done.” So now we’re
