A native English teacher is a teacher whose first language is English and can work in their home country or abroad. They often teach English to non-native speakers and may also teach writing and literature. Teaching English as a second language is usually carried out by native English teachers, but non-native teachers can be equally skilled. Some countries require English teachers to be native speakers, and programs like the Native English Language Teachers scheme in Hong Kong employ native English teachers in schools.
A native English teacher, sometimes called a native English language teacher and abbreviated NEST, is an English teacher whose first language is English. The term native English teacher is most often used for English teachers who teach the language to non-native English speakers, in a non-English speaking country, or to immigrants who have moved to an English speaking country. A native English teacher can work as an English educator in her home country or abroad, and in both cases she can work in private schools or in a state system. Often, a native English teacher will not only teach the language itself, but will also teach writing and literature, specifically English. Any variety of English including Australian, British, Indian or American English can be spoken by a native English teacher.
The act of teaching English to students who do not speak English as a first language is sometimes called teaching English as a second language (ESL) or teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). Internationally, this type of teaching is carried out by native English teachers and by teachers who have a first language other than English. It is estimated that around 20% of English teachers worldwide speak English as a first language, which means that most English teachers are not native English teachers. The term non-native language teacher (NNEST) is sometimes used to describe a person who is an English teacher but whose first language is not English.
Some professionals claim that only a native English teacher can teach the language properly, because only those who have English as their first language are able to master all the nuances of the language, including idiomatic and grammatical expressions, as well as cultural and literary aspects. references. This emphasis on hiring native English teachers has meant that those with English as a first language are sometimes favored for English teaching positions, even if they do not have teaching credentials. This is considered problematic by some educators who argue that non-native English teachers can be equally skilled at teaching the language and that teaching qualifications are important for an English teacher.
Being a native English speaker is a requirement for English teachers in some countries including Japan, Korea and Taiwan. In Hong Kong, a program called the Native English Language Teachers (NET) scheme was created in 1998. This program provides grants to government schools to employ native English teachers in primary and secondary classes.
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