<![CDATA[Many students perceive Non-Native English-Speaking Teachers (NNESTs) as less competent than Native English-Speaking Teachers (NESTs), particularly in pronunciation and language proficiency. These perceptions may influence students’ attitudes toward English learning. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze students’ perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of learning English with NNESTs at English Academy by Ruang Guru Bukittinggi. This study employed a descriptive quantitative design involving 20 students selected through a total sampling technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed through percentage calculations to identify students’ perceptions regarding NNESTs’ strengths and weaknesses. The findings revealed that students generally held positive perceptions of NNESTs. The strengths indicator achieved a score of 93%, categorized as very high, indicating that students highly appreciated NNESTs’ ability to understand learners’ difficulties and their commitment to supporting the learning process. Meanwhile, the weaknesses indicator obtained a score of 75%, categorized as high, with pronunciation-related aspects perceived as the most prominent limitation. Despite these weaknesses, students continued to value NNESTs’ teaching competence and supportive approach. The study highlights that the strengths of NNESTs are perceived more dominantly than their weaknesses, suggesting their important role in supporting effective English language learning.]]>
