Ep185. ft. Jose Torres - The Ethics of Language Teaching: Power, Access, and Responsibility (Part1)

Languages Pedagogy Podcast · Feb 17, 2026 · 29m

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…