Dr. Tesfaye Negash Bayou is a dedicated English language teacher and teacher trainer based in Ethiopia. With over three decades of experience, he has made a lasting impact on English language teaching, from primary school classrooms to university lecture halls.
Dr. Tesfaye began his teaching career in 1994 in the Gambella region, working in rural schools before earning his degrees in English Language and Literature and TEFL from Addis Ababa University. He later completed a PhD in Linguistics and now serves as an assistant professor at Kotebe University of Education, where he continues to train and mentor educators.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Tesfaye is an active and invaluable member of the English Connects Community of Practice for Teachers, where he consistently supports less-experienced teachers through his guidance and expertise. His commitment to fostering professional growth is evident in his regular contributions, from answering teacher queries to sharing practical teaching strategies.
He also volunteers to lead insightful text-based conversation sessions, providing a space for teachers to exchange ideas and refine their teaching practices. Most recently, on 24 January 2025, he led a discussion on planning for mixed-ability classes, covering essential aspects such as lesson planning, classroom dynamics, and strategies for effective differentiation. Some of the key strategies he shared included:
- Holding open discussions with students about the classroom environment to foster inclusivity
- Conducting a needs analysis to assess students’ learning styles, strengths, and challenges
- Encouraging students to self-assess their progress through journals and reflection
- Providing extension tasks and differentiated materials to cater to diverse learning needs
- Using group and pair work to facilitate peer learning
- Adapting materials to suit different proficiency levels while maintaining student motivation
Dr. Tesfaye's daily contributions to the English Connects community are a testament to his passion for teacher development. He actively engages with fellow teachers and teacher educators, sharing TeachingEnglish resources, offering practical solutions, and inspiring teachers to enhance their classroom practices.
His message to fellow educators
'A teacher should always be a learner. The world is evolving rapidly, and educators must take responsibility for their own growth—not just to remain competent but to stay engaged and inspired. Our work shapes the future, and our legacy pushes the next generation forward.'
A lifelong learner himself, Dr. Tesfaye recently completed an MBA with a research focus on employee engagement, an area he hopes to explore further in the context of English teacher motivation. He is also a British Council Teacher Champion and a graduate of the NILE Online Trainer Development programme.
Through his mentorship, leadership, and continuous learning, Dr. Tesfaye exemplifies the spirit of the English Connects teaching community. We celebrate his contributions and look forward to the continued impact of his work.