ALIS Webinar: Black Teachers of English in South Korea: Constructing Identities as a Black Native En

Black teachers of English in South Korea: Constructing Identities as a Black Native English Speaker and English Language Teaching Professional

Through CRT and narrative inquiry, this study examines how two black teachers of English rendered their identity as a NES and ELT professional. This article highlights the perceived privileges afforded to these teachers as an NES from the U.S. and the ramifications of how their race impacted their approaches as ELT professionals. Concepts of privilege and marginalization within the language classroom is explored, along with meanings of being a cultural ambassador outside of the U.S., namely in South Korea. Lastly, this study calls for ongoing, accountable, ELT training, language policy, and hiring practices, that is keen on dialogue and deliverables embodying race and culture that shapes both teacher identities and pedagogical approaches.

Presenter

Dr. Quanisha Charles grounds her research in narrative inquiry through the lens of critical race theory as a means of capturing important stories and intricate identities that impact how individuals understand themselves and their positionality within society. Charles’s most recent qualitative study examined social (in)justices through literacy narratives in a community college writing course. Charles has taught the English language in not only the U.S. but also South Korea, China, and Vietnam. In addition to teaching, she leads the newly developed TESOL program at Jefferson Community & Technical College in Louisville, Kentucky.