Teacher Perceptions of ESP Materials: The Case of an ESP Teacher at a Vocational Institution in Kuwait

In this article, we explore the journeys through which English for Specific Purposes (ESP) teachers can go while designing and employing ESP materials in their classrooms. The research implements a case study approach to track the terrains of the experience of one ESP teacher through the observation and documentary analysis of the design and application of ESP materials in her courses at a vocational institution in Kuwait, the Public Authority of Applied Education and Training. This analysis was accompanied by a series of semistructured interviews to gain an idea of what the teacher’s thoughts and feelings were during the experience. The research has uncovered valuable insights into the events that ESP teachers encounter while venturing into a field in which they might not be highly experienced. Recommendations revolved around reinforcing the value of teamwork in the design, development, and implementation of ESP materials in the institution, both internally within the department and externally with the scientific disciplines. The study similarly suggests an urgent need for teacher education and professional development programs to raise the awareness of novice and in-service teachers on the experiences of teachers in this realm and the anticipated pitfalls, urging them to think creatively about how to overcome such struggles and achieve successful outcomes.