E185
Ep185. ft. Jose Torres - The Ethics of Language Teaching: Power, Access, and Responsibility (Part1)
From Languages Pedagogy Podcast · Hosted by Mike Llerena
Episode summary
In this episode of Languages Pedagogy Podcast: Language teaching is often framed as neutral, helpful, even benevolent but what if it isn’t? In this episode, we explore the uncomfortable ethical realities behind language education: how English operates as both empowerment and gatekeeper, how access is often superficial, and how power quietly shapes learners’ futures. This conversation challenges the idea that good intentions are enough and asks educators to confront the systems they work within.
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Original publisher description
Language teaching is often framed as neutral, helpful, even benevolent but what if it isn’t? In this episode, we explore the uncomfortable ethical realities behind language education: how English operates as both empowerment and gatekeeper, how access is often superficial, and how power quietly shapes learners’ futures. This conversation challenges the idea that good intentions are enough and asks educators to confront the systems they work within. If teaching is never neutral, then ethics is not optional—it’s foundational. This episode invites you to reflect, rethink, and sit with the discomfort that real responsibility demands. Loved this episode? Follow The Languages Pedagogy Podcast for more honest, powerful conversations at the intersection of language, education, and humanity. Share it with a fellow educator, leave a review, or tag us on social media—your voice helps elevate ours. Together, we’re not just teaching — we’re transforming. #languageethics #teacherresponsibility #powerineducation #multilinguallearners #educationjustice #pedagogyleadership