Filipino non-native English-speaking teachers and the contradictions in their own backyard

What is it about?

This study looks at websites from English language teaching companies in the Philippines to see how they talk about language and who they hire as teachers. Although these companies often promote positive ideas about English and its use, their hiring practices show a clear preference for teachers who are seen as "native speakers," even when local Filipino teachers are highly qualified. This shows a bias against local, non-native English-speaking teachers. The Philippines has become a major hub for English teaching in Asia, and it's good to see more local teachers being hired. However, the study suggests that these changes are driven more by financial reasons than by a real shift in attitudes about what it means to be a good English teacher. Old ideas that favor native speakers still remain strong.

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Why is it important?

This study is important because it exposes ongoing biases in the English language teaching industry, even in countries like the Philippines where English proficiency is high. By highlighting how economic pressures and outdated ideas about "nativeness" still shape hiring practices, it encourages a critical rethinking of what makes an effective English teacher in today's globalized world.

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