English teachers have long stood at the intersection of helping young people to read the 'word' and read the 'world' through rich learning experiences that tap into diverse literature, literacy and language practices with purpose, creativity and flair. However, given the complex set of crises facing young people, English curriculum and pedagogy need to actively support them in understanding their engagements with the world through close examination of texts in their contexts, and exploring the effects of those texts on themselves and others. As such, this conceptual paper argues for the central role of English teaching and learning in the project of reimagining schooling and society in more democratic, inclusive and sustainable ways. This paper was developed from invited presentations delivered to the 2022 English Teachers Association of Queensland State Conference and the 2022 Victorian Association for the Teaching of English State Conference.