Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University Associate Professor Dr. Rashad Ahmed has been named the 2026 TESOL Teacher of the Year, the highest international recognition in the field of English language teaching.
The award is presented annually by the TESOL International Association and honors exceptional English language educators from among members representing more than 150 countries worldwide. One educator is selected each year following a rigorous international review process evaluating teaching excellence, professional leadership, and sustained contributions to the field.
Dr. Ahmed serves as Associate Professor of TESOL and Linguistics in the Department of English at Jacksonville State University. A Fulbright alumnus, he earned his doctorate in Applied Linguistics from University of Memphis.
“I am honored beyond words. This award belongs to my students, whose resilience continually reshapes my understanding of language and humanity, and to the teachers who quietly change lives by believing in voices the world too often overlooks,” Dr. Ahmed said.
Dr. Ahmed’s work extends beyond classroom teaching through scholarly research and editorial leadership within the global TESOL community. He serves as senior editor of the International Journal of Language and Literary Studies, has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, and authored a scholarly volume exploring ICT-based informal language learning.
His teaching approach incorporates applied research and innovative instructional methods. One project reimagines traditional composition pedagogy through multimodal argumentation, integrating collaborative digital planning, ethical technology use, and culturally responsive assessment. In the project, students analyze published opinion pieces to examine audience awareness and evidence selection before developing visual blueprints for their own arguments using collaborative digital tools.
As part of the honor, Dr. Ahmed will be formally recognized and present as an invited speaker at the TESOL 2026 International Convention & Expo, scheduled for March 24–27 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The convention brings together educators, researchers, and language professionals from around the world to share research and best practices in English language teaching.
University officials noted that Dr. Ahmed’s selection highlights the continued impact of Jacksonville State faculty in international academic and professional communities.
