Navigating Neoliberalism

From Teaching in the Classroom to Teaching Teachers

Abstract

How can we resist neoliberalism when working with teachers? Through an autobiographical discussion, the authors reflect on the experiences that led them to becoming teachers and then teacher leaders. Although the authors worked in very different environments as English language teachers, English was perceived as a language of access in both their contexts. They note how the Global North influenced and shaped their working conditions in post-colonial countries. Together, they discuss the ways they attempted to get around the limitations of the structures imposed on them, in order to create learning environments cognizant of their faculty and student needs. When looking towards the future, the authors note that beating the neoliberal education system is too challenging to take on alone. However, with small acts of resistance, teachers and teacher leaders could work together to bring forth meaningful change.