Nigerian scholar elected to US English language teaching board

A Nigerian scholar, Abdulmalik Salman, has been elected to the board of a United States-based professional body, the Alabama-Mississippi Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (AMTESOL), as the Non-native English Speaker Member-at-Large (Alabama) for the 2024–2025 term.

According to a statement made available to newsmen recently, Mr Salman, who is currently pursuing a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, will serve in the role for two years.

The language educator is expected to contribute to advocacy and support for TESOL professionals and learners across Alabama and Mississippi.

He holds a Bachelor of Education in Teacher Education and a Master of Education in Language Education from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Mr Salman, who has worked as a classroom teacher, ESL instructor, and assessment specialist, brings nearly a decade of experience to the board.

Speaking on his election, he said, “This opportunity to serve fellow language educators means the world to me. I’m excited to bring my experiences and unique perspective to this important role, and I look forward to working with other board members and professionals to support learners across the region.”

Mr Salman’s academic research focuses on teacher education, culturally relevant teaching, and innovative approaches in English language instruction.

The expertise of the scholar, whose work promotes the use of learners’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds as resources in the classroom, is expected to contribute to the organisation’s mission and impact across both states.

AMTESOL, established in 1982, is an affiliate of the TESOL International Association and serves English language teaching professionals in Alabama and Mississippi, including K–12 teachers, graduate students, and intensive programme instructors.