If you think that you need to learn English with a native speaker, ask yourself why.
You likely learned this opinion passively from a past education experience such as at school or a private institution, and it’s time to review it.
This blog is here to help.
Who Told You That?
Firstly, how good was your source?
I mean, did they deliver really good, contemporary and bespoke language teaching?
Did they help you learn language with care and attention – or were they a bit… meh.
Boring classrooms, uninspiring textbooks and bored/exploited teachers.
Native speakerism (the term for this form of discrimination) is still widely promoted by large commercial language schools partly because they know as long as they are the gatekeepers that define quality, they can continue charging inflated prices for truly average language tuition.
Once you’ve been in a dynamic language learning environment which excites and motivates you, you’ll know how immaterial the teacher’s origins are.
Find the Person (Not Institution) Who Can Help YOU
Out-of-date institutions use being a native speaker as an asset to sell courses as if being an L1 speaker is any guarantee of knowing HOW to teach language.
Language teaching isn’t about knowing every word in a language, it’s about helping learners find their own path through it, removing frustration, and encouraging passion and independent inquiry.
Non-native English teachers ARE experts in English.
They are in ELT because their superb language skills can help you understand how the English language works.
(That’s a superpower it took me many years to learn).
Consider: What Are You Asking For
Non-native English teachers still face wide discrimination.
The term itself is icky. Full of implicit prejudice.
Outside this one blog, I use the term L2 English speakers.
If the language school you are considering is still boasting about its ‘native speakers’, my advice would be to run!
Fortunately, the online marketplace is rewriting the language teaching market.
Clued-up customers expect to ENJOY their classes rather than SUFFER through them.
Change of Mindset.
Other English learners CAN Help You Learn
The native/non-native mix is something I build into my work at Blue Noun deliberately.
In a recent pronunciation workshop, I brought together a group of non-native English speakers to work on clarity in a language area where people often feel most exposed.
I don’t see this as a compromise. I see it as essential.
In this instance, working alongside other non-native speakers isn’t “pollution” — it’s allies. It creates the kind of environment where people feel understood, take more risks, and make faster progress.
You can see what that looked like in practice:
→ What Does a Pronunciation Workshop With Jennie Reed Feel Like?
In this image, my language holiday guest (Switzerland) chats with my Ukrainian friend.
You Can Change Your Mind
If you haven’t quite caught up, it’s not your fault. Native speakerism is a widespread prejudice.
Just know that this movement to reject it isn’t a trend. It’s a revolution.
It’s time to ditch imperialist, protectionist, borderline racist prejudice and unlock the joy in learning.
And English language teachers from all backgrounds are lending their voices to this cause.
At Blue Noun Language Hub, we are proud to be part of the online revolution by supporting and promoting truly passionate independent online teachers.
Next Step for English Guides
Help Positioning
If you feel stuck, frustrated, or worn down by English, start with recovery.
Before strategy or decisions, focus on rest, steadiness and emotional reset. When you feel regulated, direction becomes clearer.
→ Help with English — Where Steadiness Comes Before Strategy
Review & Revive Consultations
If you’re ready to move forward but unsure which format or teacher would suit you, this one-off consultation helps you decide well.
We clarify your goals, learning preferences, energy and constraints — then map realistic routes forward based on fit, not trend.
Help to Ensure Your Choice is Good
Already close to choosing?
Pause briefly before committing your time, money and energy. A few focused questions can help you confirm that your next step genuinely fits.
Not all English courses are priced the same — and there are reasons for that.
We unpack them:
