We are proud to announce our new Educator Membership, offered exclusively to teachers involved in TLab, the National Shakespeare Competition, Middle & High School Debate and other ESU education programs. Benefits include:
Access to exclusive professional development workshops - including Music in Shakespeare, live via Zoom from Shakespeare’s Globe in January
Special curriculum resources and lesson plans
Member events in NYC during Shakespeare Finals Weekend
Exciting add-on experiences to TLab programs
Discounted tickets to the National Shakespeare Competition
Preferred rates at the Shelburne Sonesta Hotel in NYC
Discover. Connect. Thrive. With the English-Speaking Union.
At the English-Speaking Union (ESU), we champion the power of the English language to bring people together—across borders, cultures, and generations. Language is more than communication; it’s a gateway to understanding, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
This is an especially exciting moment to be part of the ESU. As we celebrate the Legacy Event at the ESU House, launch our Capacity Building Campaign, and prepare for the nation’s 250th Anniversary with programs and events across the country, our work—and our community—continues to grow.
From students and educators to lifelong learners and globally curious individuals, the ESU offers meaningful ways to engage. Through workshops, speaker programs, exchanges, and special celebrations, you’ll find opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute.
Stay connected for upcoming events and initiatives, and join us as we build lasting friendships, exchange ideas, and advance global citizenship.
Join the ESU—where language inspires connection and community flourishes.
Congratulations & Best of Luck to the four scholarship finalists headed to NYC to interview at the ESU National Headquarters on Friday, January 16th! These four talented students will travel from New Orleans, Atlanta, Maryland & DC on Thursday, January 15th, to join ESU Luard Morse Alum Jill Richardson for a celebratory dinner and jazz at Birdland, followed by dessert at the Penn Club, hosted by ESU Luard Morse Alum Duane Hughes. The next morning, they will be interviewed at the ESU, followed by a luncheon with the Scholarship Committee and ESU staff. The lucky winner will receive a scholarship of up to $30,000 towards a semester of study at a British University during the 2026-27 academic year.
DeAnna Nichols – Xavier University
Jaymey Nutter – University of Maryland Eastern Shore
The ESU SSE Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship providing tuition and room and board for scholars to spend a year between high school and college at a British boarding school. During this "Gap Year," these young scholars have new academic and social experiences in another country and culture. Through their year abroad, the SSE scholars gain independence, a global outlook, and increased maturity that benefits them at college and in their future careers.
Applications are open for teachers to apply for the ESU New York City Branch Scholarships to study in the UK in the summer of 2026! Experience the ultimate professional development at 1-3 week UK Summer Study programs next July at Oxford, Edinburgh, Shakespeare's Globe in London and Stratford-upon-Avon.
For Scholarship Applications & more information, go to
The first month of the New Year is filled with ESU Middle and High School students honing their critical thinking and public speaking skills! Best of luck to students preparing for their upcoming Saturday Debate Tournaments in January in New Jersey at Wiberforce High School and Barkalow Middle School and in New York at Blind Brook Middle School and Packer Collegiate Institute on topics that include: Ocean exploration is more beneficial to society than space exploration, E-bikes cause more harm than good and the U.S. government should provide a Universal Basic Income to all adult citizens. January is also filled with planning for the summer! Back by popular demand, the ESU NY Debate League 1-week Summer Camps at the ESU throughout July. Stay tuned for more details.
IPSC brings the best young speakers aged 16 - 20 from all over the world together for a week of competition, training & cultural exchange in London. This year, the ESU will hold the 2026 National Finals Competition in NYC to choose one US delegate to send to London. The US Finals will be guided bythe words of Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower -- two of the 20th century’s most influential orators, and both former presidents of the ESU. The.US National Delegate will receive an all-expense paid trip to London, July 13-18, 2026, to represent the US in the International Public Speaking Competition!
Happy New Year from the ESU National Shakespeare Competition!
Across New York City, school-level competitions are underway as students bring Shakespeare’s words to life through focused study, rehearsal, and performance. These talented high school students are already showcasing their skills as they advance to the NYC Branch Competition.
Mark your calendars: the NYC Branch Semi-Finals will be held at ESU Headquarters on Monday, February 9 and Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The Final NYC Branch Competition will take place at The Players Clubhouse in Gramercy Park on Tuesday, February 24. Details to come!
High school theater, English, and music educators are invited to a special professional development workshop presented live via Zoom from Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Shakespeare in Song explores how music shapes mood, character, and storytelling in Shakespeare’s plays—and how those same techniques can energize today’s classroom. Led by Dr. Emily Baines, Globe musician and musical director, the session features live performances on period instruments and practical strategies for integrating music into Shakespeare instruction.
Made possible through the support of the Frederick Loewe Foundation.
In January, we offered another cycle of classes at our center for new immigrants. Throughout the holidays, we welcomed more than 75 immigrants from across NYC into our program. On January 6, new and returning students will start taking English language classes. They will participate in seven engaging English classes throughout the month. Course topics include Reading Skills, U.S. Literature and Business English. Every class will be taught by a professional, certified English teacher. Students will also be able to take part in supplemental activities, including a Know Your Rights workshop.
The Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center (ARNIC) is a free program that facilitates the integration of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees into U.S. life. We seek to provide immigrants with the tools and resources to overcome barriers and build successful lives in the U.S. Our center offers English classes, conversation practice and career services. The program is grounded in a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Each year, we serve 500+ new immigrants. More than 2,000 immigrants from 60+ countries have benefited from our services since the center opened its doors.
Volunteering is a meaningful way to make a difference, and few opportunities are as rewarding as helping newcomers to the U.S. improve their English language skills. With just two hours a week, you can open doors for someone building a new life just by having a conversation. No prior experience is needed—training is provided, and with little effort, you will form a long-lasting relationship with your conversation partner. Sign up for an information session today and discover how fulfilling it is to support someone who truly needs it!
Happy Hour: The American Revolution: A Civil and a World War
Sponsored by the ESU Charlottesville Branch
As ESU begins its 2026 celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, this online Happy Hour features Dr. Henry (Phil) Williams III, President of ESU’s Charlottesville Branch, discussing the Revolutionary War as a global conflict of ideas and empires from 1775 to 1783. The program highlights perspectives beyond an American-centric view and launches ESU’s year-long commemoration.
The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference on April 24th-25th,2026. The conference, under the theme “United by Language, Inspired by Liberty.” The conference program will include the ESU 2026 Annual General Meeting, social events such as receptions and meals, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and local tours. We invite you to participate in the camaraderie and help us advance our programs that support teachers, students, and recent immigrants.
Please click here to register 2026 AGM, or click below to register online
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
