This study explored the perception of English as Second Language (ESL) learners toward characteristics of effective ESL instructors. Specifically, this study examined the perception of thirty ESL learners in the Learning English for Academic Purposes (LEAP) Program at Marshall University and ten ESL graduate students studying Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Program in Adult and Technical Education (ATE) Department at Marshall University concerning what they perceive to be good qualities and characteristics of ESL instructors. A quantitative research methodology was utilized. In 2010, during the second week of March, the survey was administered to both LEAP students and ESL ATE students. The findings suggested that the ESL students highly value respect and rapport from their instructors. The research indicated that it is important to them that their teachers explain everything clearly, engage students in learning, and care about their students. This study will be helpful in the pre-service training of instructors to work with adult ESL students in a learning environment
