chapter 1. Who are English learners and their teachers?

The term English learners means those who are learning English as nonnative speakers. (p. 2)

The term teachers of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) includes those who teach English learners in general, although classroom teachers may think of themselfes as "elementary teachers," "bilingual teachers," or "English teachers." (p. 3)

Language learning is a complex, dynamic process that forms the foundation for cademic skills. (p. 5)

It is my hope that those who use this book will become inspired to look within, around, and beyond social and educational issues; to ask probing questions concerning the role of educators in the struggle to attain fairness, justice, equity and equal opportunity in the world; and also to work toward social equity and justice as part of their role as language educators. (p. 7)

English as an International Language (EIL) (p. 16)

Is Englich Natural, Neutral, and Beneficail?

Woodbury (2001, p.1) "Language loss entails the loss of the cultural, spiritual, and intellectual life of a people as experienced through language, ranging from prayers, myths, ceremonies, poetry, oratory, and technical vocabulary, to everyday greetings, leave-takings, conversational styles, humor, ways of speaking to children, and unique terms for habits, behavior, and emotions." (p. 19)

Professional Organizations for Teachers of English Learners

TESOL, Inc.

The National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE, http://www.nabe.org/)

National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE, http://www.ncte.org/)

International Reading Association (IRA, http://www.ira.org/)

International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL, http://www.iatefl.org/)

Show what you know.