Teaching English Beyond Specialization: Practices and Strategies of Non-Specialist Teachers in Mexican Primary Schools

Abstract Book of the 11th International Conference on Future of Teaching and Education

Year: 2026

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Teaching English Beyond Specialization: Practices and Strategies of Non-Specialist Teachers in Mexican Primary Schools

Maria Ibarra Moreno

ABSTRACT:

In Mexico, English has been included as a foreign language in public basic education since the educational reforms implemented in 2011. According to this policy, English instruction begins in kindergarden and continues through primary school. However, despite the mandatory status of the subject, many public schools still lack English teachers. This shortage is particularly evident in preschool and primary education, where the demand for qualified instructors significantly exceeds the available workforce.
As a response to this situation, generalist primary school teachers have been required to teach English classes, even though most of them have not received formal training either in the English language or in methodologies for teaching it. This situation presents important challenges for both teachers and students. Nevertheless, these teachers draw on their pedagogical experience, creativity, and commitment to their students in order to address the demands of teaching a subject outside their area of specialization.
In many cases, teachers develop their own teaching strategies and materials, often focusing on vocabulary learning as an accessible entry point to the language. These practices emerge from their professional trajectories and their motivation to support their students’ learning processes.
This presentation aims to explore how non-specialist teachers are teaching English in selected public schools in Mexico. Through an examination of their practices, materials, and experiences, the study seeks to better understand the strategies they employ and the ways in which they navigate the challenges of teaching English without formal preparation in the field.

Keywords: English as a Foreign Language (EFL), Non-specialist teachers, Teacher practices, Public education in Mexico