What is a non-specialist teacher?

A non-specialist teacher in the context of primary foreign languages refers to an educator who does not have specialized training or expertise in teaching a specific foreign language but is still responsible for delivering language instruction to young learners. This can impact progress and learning in several ways. While these teachers may bring enthusiasm and general teaching skills to the classroom, they might lack the in-depth knowledge required to teach complex linguistic concepts effectively. As a result, students might receive a more superficial understanding of the language, which could hinder their ability to achieve fluency and grasp cultural nuances. Moreover, non-specialist teachers may rely heavily on textbook methods, which can limit the variety of instructional techniques used and reduce the overall engagement and enthusiasm of students. To mitigate these challenges, schools can provide additional training and resources to non-specialist teachers to enhance their competence and confidence in teaching foreign languages, thereby improving student outcomes.