The English Firsthand Inspiration Award

Celebrating Marc Helgesen’s vision of learner-centered teaching

Great educators do more than teach language. They help learners find their voice, build confidence and connect with others.

The English Firsthand Inspiration Award celebrates educators whose teaching reflects the values championed by Marc Helgesen through the English Firsthand series.

Who can enter?

Nominations close 9 November 2026

Share your story

Has English Firsthand helped you create meaningful learning experiences and inspire your students?

Whether you currently use the series or have used it in the past, we invite you to share how its learner-centered approach has influenced your teaching and made a difference to your learners.

Nominate now

Honoring a lasting legacy

For decades, English Firsthand has helped educators create communicative, learner-centered classrooms, particularly across Asia.

Inspired by Marc Helgesen’s teaching vision, this award recognizes educators who continue his legacy by encouraging meaningful communication, learner participation and confidence through English.

Who can enter?

Eligible countries

The award is open to educators working in:

Japan
Indonesia
Malaysia
The Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Laos
Cambodia

Who can make a nomination?

You can nominate:

Yourself
A fellow educator
An educator who has taught you

Learner nominators must be aged 18 or over.

How to enter

Complete the nomination form and submit a 3–5-minute video in English answering the question below.

How have you helped your students find their voice?

Marc Helgesen believed language learning should be learner-centered, communicative, and engaging. Share a classroom story showing how English Firsthand has influenced your teaching and helped learners gain confidence, express themselves, and connect with others.

Submit your nomination by 9 November 2026.

Nominate now

Meet the judge

Michael Rost

Series Editor, English Firsthand

Michael Rost is a teacher, teacher trainer, author, and Series Editor of English Firsthand. His work focuses on listening, second language acquisition, and intercultural communication. Throughout his career, he has worked with teachers around the world and advocated learner-centered teaching that helps students gain confidence and find their voice.

Judging criteria

Alignment with the award

How well does the submission reflect the learner-centered teaching principles championed by Marc Helgesen and celebrated through English Firsthand?

The judge will look for teaching that encourages meaningful communication, learner participation, confidence and authentic language use.

Quality of the story

How clearly and effectively does the submission answer the question, “How have you helped your students find their voice?”

The judge will look for a compelling classroom story that demonstrates the educator’s approach and the role English Firsthand has played in supporting learners.

Impact on learners

What evidence shows that the educator has made a positive difference to learners?

Evidence could include:

Increased learner confidence
Greater participation and engagement
Improved communication skills
Personal growth or achievement
Positive feedback from learners, colleagues or educational leaders

Key dates and winner recognition

From nominations to the winner announcement, explore the key stages of the award and what the winner will receive.

Continuing Marc Helgesen’s vision

Throughout his career, Marc Helgesen challenged traditional approaches to language teaching. He championed communication, learner choice, continuous growth, and the joy of learning.

The upcoming sixth edition of English Firsthand carries his vision forward, keeping learner-centered communication at the heart of the series while introducing new features for today’s diverse classrooms, digital learning environments, and evolving communication needs.

Discover the five Es that have guided English Firsthand throughout the series.

Explore the five Es