Who are we when we teach? Understainding ESOL teacher identity

This interactive workshop explores the concept of Language Teacher Identity (LTI) and its significance in ESOL contexts. Drawing on findings from my own research, the session invites participants to reflect on how their identities as language teachers are shaped by personal, cultural, and institutional factors—and how these identities, in turn, influence their teaching practices. Through a mix of storytelling, reflective mapping, and group discussion, participants will: •Gain a clear understanding of what LTI is and why it matters. •Reflect on their own evolving identities as ESOL practitioners. •Explore practical strategies to support and enhance teacher identity development in their own contexts. The session aims to create a space for dialogue, self-awareness, and professional growth, encouraging participants to see identity not as fixed, but as dynamic, relational, and central to effective teaching.