Empowering English Language Teachers Through History

TESOL training programs typically offer courses in methods and pedagogy, along with other classes to equip future English language teaching (ELT) professionals with essential teaching skills and knowledge. Not as frequently offered or required, however, is a course focusing on critically examining political and philosophical aspects of ELT. This article discusses why I believe it is important for TESOL curriculums to include topics on the diachronic development and synchronic variations of the English language and to engage students in topics that would allow them to critically examine embedded power relations in ELT. By reflecting on my own classroom experience as a TESOL program director, I demonstrate how such knowledge can foster a critical perspective in ELT as well as empower students, thereby aligning ourselves with the Christian principles of bringing justice to our society and empowering God’s people