How can we foster inclusive practices in the multilingual classroom without a diverse body of teachers? Let’s hear what ESOL practitioners have to say

ESOL classrooms are diverse and multilingual in nature, as they are designed for migrant students who are now living in Britain. However, the current political discourse shaped by the immigration rules, and the current Prime Minister's decision to tighten English language requirements for migrants are shaping a monolingual ideology that hinders the diversity and inclusion of ESOL learners. This monolingual ideology is also visible in the policies that shape the ESOL curriculum and the current body of lecturers that deliver the ESOL classes. Therefore, I suggest that ESOL departments lead by example by integrating different language teacher identities in their departments, bringing a diversity of perspectives and teaching methods to the classroom, and supporting students identity development. In my presentation, I introduced how ESOL lecturers suggest diversity in the departments can be introduced.