Phyo Wai Tun

I am a postgraduate researcher in the Department of Applied Linguistics at the University of Warwick. My doctoral project, Context-appropriate pedagogy in conflict-affected contexts, explores how teachers and learners co-construct context-responsive teaching practices in situations of conflict and disruption. My PhD research project is supervised by Professor Richard SmithLink opens in a new window and Dr Jason AndersonLink opens in a new window and is funded by the University of Warwick through the Chancellor's International Scholarship.

I am an English language teacher and educator from Myanmar with experiences across Myanmar and the UK, particularly in conflict-affected and resource-limited contexts.

I completed my MA in TESOL at Warwick University as a Hornby Educational Trust ScholarLink opens in a new window (2022-2023). Alongside my doctoral studies, I contribute to teacher education as a volunteer lecturer at an online teacher training institute in Myanmar and remian actively engaged in supporting teaching and learning in challenging environments.

My research explores how teachers teach effectively in difficult circumstances and how professional development can be practical, context-sensitive, and sustainable.

My areas of interest include:

• Teaching in conflict-affected and “difficult” settings
• Teacher education and professional development
• Context-appropriate pedagogy, including social justice and decolonising perspectives
• Participatory, practitioner-led research
• Strengths-based approaches in language education
• Teachers’ lived experiences as a source of pedagogical knowledge

Articles

• Tun, P. W., & Smith, R. (in press). English teaching online, in politically difficult circumstances. ELT Journal, 80(3). https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccag019 Link opens in a new window
• Tun, P. W. (2025). Shaking up the classroom: Practical differentiations for today's diverse learners. TESOL Connections, 3(9). https://www.tesol.org/tc-articles/categories/september-2025-volume-3-9/ Link opens in a new window
• Tun, P. W. (2024). Investigating teachers' implementation of a new communicative English langauge curriculum in Myanmar primary schools. ELTED Journal, 27, 1-20. https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/193811/1/phyo_elted_journal.pdfLink opens in a new window
• Tun, P. W. (2023). Cooperative development: A potential approach to professional development for teachers. Teacher Development Academic Journal (TDAJ), 3(1), 60-70. https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/194799/2/WRAP-Cooperative-development-potential-professional-teachers-23.pdfLink opens in a new window
• Anjos Da Silva, J. W., Chi, A., Dixit, S., Dost Mohammadi, Y., Dukundane, J. P., Hidayatullah, A., Ivanenko, V., Jadallah, H., Lim, J. L., Putra, D., & Tun, P. W. (2023).Decentring ELT: Insights and explorations.In T. Pattison (Ed.), IATEFL 2023 Harrogate: Conference Selections (pp. 208-211). IATEFL.https://www.iatefl.org/resources/iatefl-conference-selections-2023-harrogate/Link opens in a new window

Books

• Tun, P. W. & Oo, M. K. (in press). A collaborative approach to professional development for teachers in politically difficult circumstances: Insights from Myanmar. In Voices from the ground: Praxis and glocalization in continuing professional development in ELT. Emerald Publishing.

• Tun, P. W. (2025, June 7). A collaborative approach to professional development for teachers in difficult circumstances: Insights from Myanmar. 1st Hornby Alumni Conference.
• Tun, P. W. (2024, October 29). Understanding our learners: Effective techniques for diverse learners. ASEAN TeachingEnglish Online Conference. British Council.
• Tun, P. W. (2024, April 18). Online English teaching in difficult circumstances: An exemplary teacher's practices. Presentation at the IATEFL Conference, Brighton.
• Tun, P. W. (2023, October 14). Cooperative development: An accessible approach to professional development for teachers. ASEAN TeachingEnglish Online Conference. British Council.
• Tun, P. W. (2023, June 29). Context-appropriate TPACK features: A case study of exemplary online English teachers in difficult circumstances. Presentation at 25th Warwick International Conference in Applied Linguistics. University of Warwick.
• Dewi, F. Meesa, Nhat, N. T. H., Tun, P. W. (2023, April 5). ASEAN teacher webinar series episode 1: Online skills for 21st century teachers [Webinar]. TeachingEnglish Asia. British Council.
• Bleistein, T. M., Bennett, G., Badawy, A., Sihombing, M. R., Insisiengmai, P., & Tun, P. W. (2023, March 22). Controversial conversations: Preparing students for civil discourse. Presentation at TESOL International Association Convention. Portland, OR.

• 2026 - 2027: Research Professional Council Member, TESOL International AssociationLink opens in a new window (Contributing to TESOL’s research priorities and promoting collaboration between researchers and practitioners.)
• 2026 - present: Organising Comittee Member, SELCS Annual Conference (2026)Link opens in a new window, School of Education, Learning and Communication Sciences (SELCS), University of Warwick.
• 2025 - present: Volunteer Lecturer (Teacher Education), Myanmar (online institution) (Teaching core education modules, mentoring trainee teachers, and supervising action research projects.)
• 2025 - 2026: Chair of the Awards Professional Council, TESOL International AssociationLink opens in a new window
  (Lead a global professional council that recognises excellence in the TESOL field through the adjudication of awards and grants. Collaborate with other professional councils and interest sections, contributing to the development of new awards, including the Vance Stevens Educational Technology Mentoring Award and the Mary Romney-Schaab Justice & Equity in Language Education Award (2027). Oversee council activities, guide the review and selection process, and work with TESOL leadership to ensure transparent and inclusive recognition of outstanding educators worldwide.

• Member, TESOL International AssociationLink opens in a new window (2020 - present)
• Member, IATEFLLink opens in a new window (2022 - present)

Awards

• Chancellor's International Scholarship, University of Warwick (2025)
• The Glossobooks Scholarship, IATEFL (2024)
• Hornby Educational Trust ScholarshipLink opens in a new window (2022 - 2023)
• Virtual Exchange Champion, U. S. Department of State (2022)
• High Performing Alumnus, American English E-Teacher Programme (2020)

Grants

• January - December 2026: Community of Practice Teacher Development Programme in Myanmar, British Council Myanmar (Project Lead)
  (The programme (ongoing) aims to strengthen the professional practice of English language teachers across existing educator networks in conflict-affected areas, promoting collaboration, peer learning, and sustained engagement with TeachingEnglish resources.)
• 2024 - 2025: Teacher Educators Enabligh Fund, British Council (Project Lead, Grant amount - 3000 GBP)
• 2020 - 2021: US Exchange Alumni Fund (Project Lead, Grant amount - 1000 USD)