The English-Speaking Union is delighted to announce David Massiah, then headmaster of Redland School in Santiago, Chile, as the winner of the ESU International Oracy Teacher Award 2019. In his application, David highlighted how the role of oracy (speaking and listening sills) is not just giving individuals skills, but empowering them to bring about social change. The values of leadership and service are made central to an active and activist culture of oracy.
We’re also pleased to congratulate Liudmyla Dzhus, an English Teacher from Inhulske School, in Ustynivka district in rural Ukraine, who has been awarded a judges’ commendation. Liudmyla demonstrates a passion for learning and development, in herself and her pupils. She has drawn ideas from conferences, seminars and other sources to put interesting, engaging oracy activities at the heart of her work.
The judging panel was delighted by the passion, knowledge and dedication evidenced in the applications. Chair judge Gavin Illsley, ESU Head of Programmes, noted that ‘All the entrants this year have brought innovation, enthusiasm and insight to their work in making spoken language skills a central part of teaching and learning. The ESU talks about the importance of oracy in helping young people engage with the world and to reach their full potential and David’s application stood out for the way in which he has made constructive engagement with social and political issues central to his oracy work. He is a leader, creating many more thoughtful, rational leaders, to everyone’s benefit.’
The International Oracy Teacher Award, launched during the ESU’s centenary year, aims to recognise educational excellence and outreach in the field of oracy across the diverse ESU global network. Through this award, the ESU seeks to recognise, encourage and develop the work of international teachers who are generating social impact through the advancement of English oracy skills in their students. Each year’s winner receives financial grants to enable them to grow the impact and reach of their work, and we’re delighted to be able to support them in this endeavour.
