TESOL  2025

Wednesday, 19 March, 2025, 11:30 am-12:15 pm

Seaview Ballroom B, Hyatt Regency Hotel

 

TEACHER AGENCY

AI definition, retrieved January 11, 2025 

the ability of teachers to make choices and take action to improve their professional growth and the learning of their students. It involves using judgment and discretion to adapt to the needs of students and to contribute to the growth of colleagues. 

What does teacher agency include? 

• Professional growth: Teachers can direct their own professional growth and contribute to the growth of their colleagues.

• Curriculum adaptation: Teachers can adapt their instruction and curriculum to meet the needs of their students.

• Policy influence: Teachers can have a voice in shaping educational policies.

• Working together: Teachers can work together with colleagues to achieve goals.

 

 1. Cong-Lem, N. (2021). Teacher agency: A systematic review of international literature. Issues in Educational Research, 31(3), 718–738. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.190851857034060

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 2. Tao J, Gao X (Andy). Language Teacher Agency. Cambridge University Press; 2021.

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3. England, L. (2019): TESOL Career Path Development: Creating Professional Success. New York: Routledge - Taylor & Francis. 

 

 

TEACHER HEART/SPIRIT

AI definition, retrieved January 11, 2025 

 

A "teacher heart/spirit" refers to the deep-seated passion, compassion, and dedication a teacher possesses towards their students, characterized by a genuine desire to see them learn, grow, and succeed, often going beyond just imparting knowledge and encompassing a sense of care and inspiration; it essentially describes the inner motivation that drives a teacher to be effective in their role. 

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Key aspects of a teacher heart/spirit:

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• Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of their students. 

• Positive attitude: A belief in the potential of every student and a willingness to foster a positive learning environment. 

• Curiosity and lifelong learning: A continuous desire to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, to better serve their students. 

• Commitment to student well-being: Going beyond academics to support students' emotional and social development. 

• Inspiration: The power to motivate and ignite a passion for learning in students. 

 

4. Palmer, P. J. (1998). The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's Life. San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass.

 

 

TRUST

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AI definition, retrieved, January 11, 2025 

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"Teacher trust" refers to the belief and confidence a student has in their teacher, where they feel safe to be vulnerable, ask questions, and engage in learning, based on the teacher's competence, integrity, and genuine care for their development and well-being; essentially, it's a positive relationship built on mutual respect and reliability between teacher and student that allows for optimal learning to occur. 

Key aspects of teacher trust:

 

• Student perspective:  Feeling comfortable sharing ideas, admitting mistakes, and taking risks in the classroom because they believe the teacher will support them. 

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• Teacher actions:  Demonstrating consistent fairness, following through on promises, actively listening to students, providing constructive feedback, and showing genuine interest in their individual needs. 

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• Impact on learning:  High levels of trust can lead to increased student motivation, engagement, academic achievement, and overall positive classroom environment. 

  • Student trust in the teacher: A critical but overlooked factor in student success

  • Teacher and Student Relationships: The Power of Trust — Massachusetts Advocates for Children

  • Trust Between Teacher and Student in Academic Education at School

 

Walker, Timothy D. and P. Sahlberg:  In Teachers We Trust: The Finnish Way to World-Class Schools.   ISBN 978-0-393-71400-5