Teaching and learning English doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Being able to network with professionals in the field can kick-start your career and lead to greater employment opportunities for aspiring TESOL graduate students. For ELLs, it takes practice, constant exposure, immersion, and commitment, and those are hard to maintain when they are trying to learn a new language on their own. This is what makes Twitter such a useful platform for both teachers and learners of the ESL community. The benefits of participating in the Twitter conversation about ESL and TESOL are many, including:
- Strong community of teachers and learners of all levels who will gladly offer tips and answer questions
- Easily discover new tools and resources for learning English (and any other language!)
- Stay engaged, motivated, and immersed in the process of learning English.
These Twitter accounts post some of the most consistently useful info on ESL and TESOL. These are all high quality accounts, and they aren’t being ranked in comparison with one another. Find the ones that are most useful to you, like those who been through or are currently in the process of earning an ESL-related master’s degree, and keep up with them daily!
General ESL
General ESL resources, from vocab lists to study guides to organizations promoting language learning all over the world. These are great for teachers, learners, and everyone in between.
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@irishpolyglot
fluentin3months.com is a site packed with encouragement and “hacks” from Benny (Brendan) Lewis from Ireland. His site and Twitter are all about speaking languages as quickly as possible, as he travels to learn and speak languages himself. -
@babla
bab.la is a language project by Andreas Schroeter and Patrick Uecker. Their Twitter displays news, facts and other language-related things from the bab.la language portal. -
@lynneguist
Lynne Murphy is an American linguist in Engliand working at Sussex University. Her account is based on observations on the differences and similiarities of British and American English. -
@UsingEnglish
Updates from UsingEnglish.com, which provides English as a Second Language (ESL) tools & resources for students, teachers, learners and academics. -
@ESLbasics
Andrea shares practical learning tips and the latest of her ESL video lessons. -
@grammarphobia
Patricia T. O’Conner and Stewart Kellerman write books, blog, and tweet about the English language. -
@Gapfillers
Gapfillers delivers language development for people who need the very best level of skill. For professionals who need great English skills at a very advanced level and those trying to get high English language qualifications for their work, new jobs or future in an English speaking country. -
@chiasuan
Chia Suan Chong is an EFL teacher and blogger who enjoys good stories and discussions about teaching & languages. She also tweets for @Etprofessional. -
@shellterrell
Shelly is the author of The 30 Goals Challenge for Teachers: Small Steps to Transform Your Teaching and Learning to Go: Lesson Ideas for Teaching with Mobile Devices, Cell Phones and BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology). She supports and instructs thousands of teachers and students worldwide through the various online and face-to-face learning events she organizes and moderates. -
@iatefl
The IATEFL Online website and Twitter give you an opportunity to share ideas with teachers all around the world and get a taste of one of the world’s biggest ELT conferences through a variety of resources. -
@iatefl_besig
BESIG, is the Business English Special Interest Group of IATEFL. -
@Poliglotta80
This channel is completely dedicated to Luca Lampariello’s biggest passion: foreign languages. He firmly believes that languages cannot be taught — they can only be learned. His goal is to teach you how learn a language fast and efficiently. -
@eslreading
This Twitter is run by Kieran McGovern who created ESOL epacks which contain teaching resources that include text & audio files, worksheets, teaching notes & lesson suggestions. -
@eslrandall
Randall is the author of several language-learning Web sites including Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab (www.esl-lab.com). Follow his Tweets to keep informed. -
@lyricstraining
LyricsTraining allows students to learn languages online with music videos, lyrics and karaoke! -
@EnglishCentral1
English Central makes improving one’s English fun and effective by turning popular web videos into powerful language learning experiences. -
@eslpod
This acount is English as a Second Language (ESL) Podcast’s Twitter feed. Learn English and improve your vocabulary with great podcasts. -
@judiehaynes
Judie Haynes is an Advocate for ELLs and the Co-author of “The Essential Guide for Educating Beginning English Learners.” She writes for everythingESL.net and co-founded the #ELLChat. -
@bcseminars
The British Council Seminar Series intends to provoke debate and discussion on current issues in English Language teaching. Events around the UK and online. -
@seburnt
Tyson Seburn is a language teacher who specializes in English for academic purposes (EAP) contexts and has a passion for social media. He devotes a lot of time to professional development events, blogging and Twitter, aiming to inspire fellow English language teaching (ELT) educators to become involved in their communities, diversify teaching practices and promote supportive yet constructive atmospheres. -
@sproutenglish
The ESL resource site for teachers and parents of young learners. -
@esolresourcesuk
Jennie Cole’s ESOL Resources account and website is a general ESOL resource site with materials including flashcards, reading books, radio and ESOL teaching tips. -
@rosettastone
Rosetta Stone is the world’s most trusted laguage-learning software. They tweet about language, travel and culture, company updates, & discounts. -
@VOALearnEnglish
Voice of America provides news, feature programs and activities for English learners. -
@SCADdotedu
Offering more degree programs and specializations than any other art and design university, SCAD is uniquely qualified to prepare talented students for professional, creative careers. -
@wayword
A public radio program about language examined through history, culture, and family. -
@getnewsmart
Newsmart allows users to Learn English for free with breaking news from the Wall Street Journal. -
@NewsyVideos
Newsy advances your understanding of a news story. By highlighting unique perspectives from across the media spectrum, Newsy provides what you need to know about the day’s events. -
@lingosteve
Steve Kaufmann is the Founder and CEO of LingQ.com, lover of languages and a former Canadian diplomat. He is interested in helping people successfully learn languages. -
@lousylinguist
Christopher Phipps of DC writes about linguistics and cognition on his Twitter account. -
@eflclassroom
eflclassroom is an EFL teacher and student community with loads of learning and teaching content. -
@LiteralMinded
Neal Whitman’s account contains linguistic commentary regarding the English language in general.
Info For Teachers
Teaching English as a second language isn’t quite the same as teaching any other subject. Managing the nuanced differences between languages and accurately communicating meaning across that barrier is tough work, but there’s a stellar community of ESL/TESOL educators online striving to make that work easier!
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@LanguageLog
Language Log is a group blog on language and linguistics started in the summer of 2003 by Mark Liberman and Geoffrey Pullum. -
@TeachingEnglish
TeachingEnglish is the British Council’s website for teachers of English. This organisation brings together everything busy teachers need, from classroom materials to ideas for development. -
@OUPELTGlobal
This is the Oxford University Press English Language Teaching Twitter account. Follow them for news, info, articles, videos & tools to aid your ESL/EFL teaching. -
@ESLlibrary
ESL Library is a resource site for language teachers. They offer language teachers instant access to a huge collection of lesson plans and flashcards -
@tefl365
TEFL Teaching tweets everything TEFL & English Teaching Abroad related. They also tweet about EFL, ESL, TEFL, TESOL inspiration, courses, jobs, companies and more! -
@eltjam
ELTjam exists to promote innovation and experimentation in the ELT industry, and to explore the question “What ‘s next for ELT?” -
@ESLdotcom
This account connects international students and teachers with the best ESL schools, jobs and learning tools. -
@BELTABelgium
The Belgian English Language Teachers Association is an organization for teachers of English in Belgium. -
@ELF_Pron
Ideas for teachers and students interested in pronunciation for English as a Lingua Franca. -
@russell1955
Winner of the British Council Technology Award 2010, Russell runs teachertrainingvideos.com. He tweets about using technology in education. -
@ELTchat
Join the #ELTchat hashtag every Wednesday to connect with ELT professionals around the world. -
@PearsonELTUSA
Pearson ELT USA links to articles, podcasts and blog posts about ESL/EFL and supports teachers. -
@barbsaka
Barbara Hoskins Sakamoto is an English teacher currently living in Kitakyushu, Japan. She has taught English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) for over 20 years. She is also the co-author of a children’s English textbook series called Let’s Go, and is passionate about teaching, especially about teaching English to young learners. She wants to learn about anything that will make her a better teacher. -
@Edulang
Edulang provides English learning resources for teachers and learners. -
@baibbb
From Latvia, Baiba Svenca is an EFL teacher, teacher trainer, e-moderator and fan of technologies. -
@AnthonyGaughan
Anthony Gaughan is an English Language Teacher and Teacher Trainer based in Germany. He’s interested in Teaching Unplugged and Initial teacher training/education and development.
TESOL Educators
Many teachers share their experiences, tips for motivating ESL learners, and even their assignment rubrics, lesson plans, and other assets online to benefit the global community of ESL teachers and learners.
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@Larryferlazzo
Larry Ferlazzo is an English, Social Studies and International Baccalaureate teacher to English Learners at a school in Sacramento, California. His blog and twitter teach his readers about websites that will help them teach ELL, ESL and EFL. -
@sandymillin
Sandy Millin is a native English speaker living and working in Crimea. On Twitter she follows many educators who provide useful ESL tips, and writes many of her own. -
@willycard
Based in Europe, Willy Cardoso is a freelance trainer and conslutant in English Language Teaching and Teacher Development. -
@NikPeachey
Nik Peachey is a freelance educational consultant, award winning writer and course designer, specialist technology trainer, blogger, conference speaker eand lecturer in media and technology. -
@Marisa_C
Marisa Constantinides is a TEFL Teacher Educator and run CELT Athens, a Teacher Development center based in Athens, Greece. Marisa moderates the #ELTchat every Wednesday. -
@vickihollett
Vicki Hollett is an an English teacher who has written many course books for Oxford University Press and Pearson. She teaches adults who need English for work, play and travel so they can communicate across cultures, build relationships and get jobs done. -
@DaveDodgson
David Dodgson is an EFL Teacher (for young learners) in Turkey. He will soon moving to Gabon to be a Language School Coordinator -
@lauraahaha
Laura is an English language teacher, language learner, teacher trainer and linguist. She particularly likes to share ideas about teaching pronunciation, learner training, sociolinguistics, teacher knowledge and applying linguistic theory to classroom practice. -
@CEOEnglish
Cambridge English Online are creaters & developers of thousands of fun, educational mobile apps & online learning resources. This account is run by CEO Adrian Illingworth. -
@l_missbossy
This account is run by Anita Kwiatkowska. She is a teacher of English (and sometimes a trainer) currently based in Zaragoza, Spain. Her blog and Twitter are a record of her experiences and ideas about teaching and learning languages. -
@LizziePinard
Lizzie Pinard is an EFL teacher and writer who is currently stationed at the International House in Palermo in Sicily. With her Twitter and blog she reflects on teaching and learning ESL. -
@KidsKnowIt
KidsKnowIt provides free educational websites for the young and the young at heart. -
@MainwoodDavid
David Mainwood is a a qualified EFL / ESL teacher based in Spain and the UK. He is particularly interested in the uses of ICT in education and its effects on learning and creativity. He has his own popular blog for students of English as a Foreign and/or Second Language called EFL SMARTblog. -
@SheetalZA
Sheetal Makhan is an ESL teacher who writes about her life as a teacher, finding her path in life, gadgets, travel, friends, food, love — pretty much anything! -
@GJTeacher
Gabrielle Jones is an ESP, Business English and Communication trainer, Teacher Trainer, materials’ developer and passionate and innovative teacher of EFL. -
@naomishema
Naomi Epstein teaches English as a foreign language to deaf and hard of hearing students in Israel. -
@english247
english247 has Free English Lessons Online by ESOL Courses. They provide links to free English activities including word searches and quizzes. -
@langwitches
Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano was born in Germany and now is planted in São Paulo, Brazil. She has worked as a World Language teacher, Technology Integration Facilitator and 21st Century Learning Specialist. Her passions include globally connected learning, technology integration, 21st Century skills and literacies, as well as digital storytelling. -
@onestopenglish
This is the world’s number one resource site for English language teachers. -
@feedtheteacher
Giselle Santos is an EFL Teacher, E-tutor and social media and technology enthusiast who believes in the power of sharing and collaboration. -
@Harmerj
Jeremy Harmer writes books about English Language Teaching in cluding Methodology titles, course materials and learner literature (graded readers). He is also a frequent presenter, seminar leader and teacher in UK and all around the world. -
@TheConsultantsE
The Consultants-E have worked together since the mid-1990s. Their work involves any aspect of online and distance education and training, as well as face-to-face training in all aspects of the application of technologies in education. -
@ozge
Ozge Karaoglu is an English teacher, freelance teacher trainer and educational consultant in teaching young/very young learners and teaching with web based technologies. She is currently working at a private school as an EFL teacher. -
@kalinagoenglish
Karenne Sylvester likes to say she teaches teachers how to teach speaking using technology. She is a a certified TESOL trainer, working as a freelancer in Stuttgart, Germany. She specializes in teaching adult learners in the financial/ banking, energy, engineering and IT sectors. -
@vickyloras
Vicky Loras is a Canadian-born Greek and teaches English as a Foreign Language & literature to students of all ages. -
@kenwilsonlondon
Ken Wilson is a teacher trainer and author of ELT materials. Tweets include links to his blog posts and information about TEFL events. -
@Shaunwilden
Shaun Wilden is a teacher, teacher trainer, EFL materials writer, TT coordinator for IH World and moderator of #ELTchat. -
@evab2001
Eva Buyuksimkesya is an EFL teacher, teacher trainer, edu blogger and a life-long learner. -
@theteacherjames
James Taylor is an EFL Teacher in Korea, Brazil, Belgium, Costa Rica, #eltchat moderator & podcaster, blogger and iTDi mentor. -
@vickysaumell
Vicky Saumell is an EFL teacher, teacher trainer, materials writer and webhead. -
@CotterHUE
Chris Cotter and his Heads Up English education website has fresh ideas, activities, and other resources for ESL. -
@Beyza
Beyza Yilmas works as an EFL instructor and educational technology trainer at Özye?in University and as a teacher trainer for Pilgrims Teacher Training in the UK. She has conducted various online and face to face ICT training courses and co-moderated some Electronic Village Online sessions. -
@englishwithjo
Jo is an an Australian living in Greece and an ESL / English teacher. She loves meeting people from around the world and even teaches English online via Skype. -
@aniyadly
From Monza, Itay, Aniya is an ESL Trainer, Director of Business Development and Social Media Enthusiast. -
@ChrisCattaneo
Christina Cattaneo is an EFL Teacher & Trainer, online CELTA Tutor, Tech Integrator, and young learner storyteller. -
@cerirhiannon
Ceri Jones is an ELT freelance teacher, online tutor, trainer and materials writer. She loves to use Twitter as her online staffroom. -
@hoprea
Henrick Oprea is a Freelance Teacher of English as a Foreign Language in Brasília, Brazil. -
@teflerinha
Rachael Roberts is an ELT coursebook author, teacher trainer and teacher of ESOL and EFL. -
@kierandonaghy
Kieran Donaghy is a teacher, trainer & award-winning writer with a special interest in film in ELT. -
@ETprofessional
ETprofessional is a new English language website featuring 20 years of archive from ETP and MET magazines. -
@leoselivan
Lexical Leo is an EFL teacher, trainer, materials developer, lecturer. He is interested in lexical approaches to language teaching. -
@fionamau
Finoa Mauchline’s blog and twitter are about teaching languages. Although they are in English, and probably most of the posts, contributions, comments etc. are written by English Language teachers, the aim is for it to be applicable to other languages too. -
@annabooklover
Anna Varna is a learning and Development aficcionado from Greece, working in Brussels, tweeting about all kinds of learning, reading, bookcrossing and more.
Other ESL & TESOL Accounts
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@englishfeed
Kenneth Beare is the ESL Expert at esl.about.com. He’s an English language learning content developer and industry strategist. -
@MacDictionary
The Macmillan Dictionary Blog is a multi-authored blog discussing the English language today. They explore a wide range of topics related to English as it is used around the world and hope to be of interest and relevance to the international community of English speakers. -
@bgzimmer
Ben Zimmer is the executive producer of Vocabulary.com and
the Visual Thesaurus, language columnist for The Wall Street Journal, and former language columnist for The Boston Globe and The New York Times Magazine. -
@eslincanada
The ESL in Canada Directory has educational articles, addresses, links, contact and reference information to the many different services and resources that are available for students, visitors and new Canadians to study and learn ESL “English as a Second Language” for communication with English speakers for school, work and personal interests. -
@englishteach8
This blog and Twitter are about teaching, learning, reading, writing, culture, classroom management, new technologies… anything related to education. -
@AltaTranslation
ALTA provides professional translation services, localization, language testing and language training to corporations and government agencies. -
@americandialect
The American Dialect Society is dedicated to the study of English in North America. They are academics, amateurs, linguists, lexicographers, teachers and more. -
@LanguageMastery
John Fotheringham created this site, the Language Mastery podcast, and his series of language guides to help adult learners reach their foreign language acquisition goals as quickly, cheaply, and enjoyably as possible. -
@dialectblog
Dialect Blog is a site for actors, linguists and enthusiasts about the dialects and accents of the English Language.