Primed for the global industry : the challenge of teaching English to speakers of other languages

Abstract

It is estimated that there are 1.5 billion English language learners globally. As English continues to bolster its role as the language of international commerce, communication, diplomacy and culture, this number is set to grow exponentially in the coming years. This growth has fuelled the need for teachers trained in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Tesol), so much so that a number of countries worldwide have registered an increased demand for qualified teachers of English. Besides teachers, the Tesol industry also needs managers to run schools, trainers to upskill an organisation's staff, consultants to provide assistance with a range of projects and services, and various other roles.