Dylan Parker

Dylan Parker is a dedicated educator and fervent advocate for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) education. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics in1999, Dylan embarked on a journey to South Korea, where he immersed himself in teaching English to young learners. Over two years, Dylan delved into scientific literature on memory, curriculum design, and teaching methodologies to enhance learning outcomes. Combining these insights, he meticulously crafted English Planet, an innovative syllabus that garnered acclaim from principals and educators alike. Returning to New Zealand in 2018 to support his children's education, Dylan introduced English Planet to their school, revolutionizing their ESOL program. Through continual refinement and adaptation, English Planet has evolved into a culturally responsive resource tailored for the New Zealand ESOL classroom. This adaptation includes transitioning from textbooks to A3-sized cards, enhancing the diagnostic test, and integrating supplementary worksheet activities. Aligned with the English Language Learning Progressions, English Planet now serves as a cornerstone for ESOL and ORS learners across major cities in New Zealand. Dylan's dedication to advancing ESOL education extends beyond the classroom. Having presented at CLESOL conferences and taught for three years in a new entrant class, he now teaches ESOL part-time at a primary school in the Bay of Plenty. Additionally, Dylan provides Professional Learning and Development (PLD) sessions for learning support staff, sharing strategies and approaches rooted in his innovative resource. Through his multifaceted contributions, Dylan Parker continues to empower educators and support language learners on their journey to proficiency in English.