It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Luke Prodromou, a beloved figure in the global English Language Teaching (ELT) community, who died peacefully after a long and courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), at the age of 75.
Luke Prodromou's influence on English language education was profound, both as a scholar and a practitioner. Holding a BA in English with Greek from Bristol University, an MA in Shakespeare Studies from Birmingham University, a postgraduate Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language from Leeds University (with distinction), and a PhD from Nottingham University, his academic journey reflected his lifelong dedication to language, literature, and learning.
Throughout his distinguished career, Luke co-authored over 20 widely used coursebooks and was especially known for Dealing with Difficulties—co-written with Lindsay Clandfield—which won acclaim for addressing the real challenges teachers face in the classroom. His Grammar and Vocabulary for Cambridge First (Longman) remains a staple in exam preparation worldwide.
Luke was a pioneer in inclusive education. He was a founding member of the Disabled Access Friendly Campaign, which promotes awareness around mobility disability in the ELT classroom, and he co-founded the English Language Voice Theatre, merging his love for drama and pedagogy to inspire teachers and learners alike.
He was a highly sought-after plenary speaker at major ELT conferences, including IATEFL in the UK, and worked across the globe with institutions such as the British Council, ESADE Barcelona, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Thessaloniki, Pilgrims Canterbury, NILE, and Bell Schools. In his later years, he taught part-time on the MA TESOL programme at the University of Sheffield International Faculty, City College, where he continued to mentor the next generation of educators.
Luke's vibrant career as both a teacher and amateur actor was tragically cut short seven years ago following his diagnosis with ALS. Despite the relentless progression of the disease—which gradually robbed him of his ability to move, speak, and breathe—Luke remained a symbol of resilience, intellect, and grace.
His legacy will live on in the countless classrooms he influenced, the teachers he trained, the students he inspired, and the friends and colleagues who were privileged to know him.
Luke Prodromou is survived by his family, friends, and the global ELT community who mourn the loss of an extraordinary educator, thinker, and human being.
He will be deeply missed.
