There’s a very telling question I’m fond of asking artists, writers and journalists about the single most critical factor responsible for that impactful career choice. Was it the school they went to? Was it their extra-curriculars? Was it their parents’ influence? No. Nine times out of then, it was their English teacher. That’s right: where they are today is thanks to their English teacher’s unique, creative and ambitious teaching style. That number one pivotal reason is you – every single day, you change lives. Right now, however, the ways students learn both within and beyond the classroom are under threat. Generative AI risks robbing students of creativity, spontaneity, critical thinking and even truth. Government-mandated lesson plans risk robbing teachers of the creativity and spontaneity that bring lessons to life, as well as dynamic approaches to critical thinking that help separate fact from fiction. English discipline professionals educate the thinkers, writers and citizens of the future, empowering them to apply creativity in venturous ways. Drawing on my work railing against the ‘Content Mindset’ and championing creative civic engagement, let’s spend some time galvanising our professional autonomy and focusing our advocacy: for engaging educational experiences that transform lives and enrich the nation.
English teachers have superpowers: VATE keynote, Thursday 20 November 2025
ESTHER ANATOLITIS 