For many years, autonomy, especially learner autonomy has figured large in TEFL literature and practice. However, the author argues that learners can hardly become autonomous automatically without any help from their teachers. In other words, attention should also be focused on teachers. It is worthwhile to explore the relationship between English teaching materials and teacher autonomy, for materials and teachers are two important elements in language teaching. This paper begins by clarifying the relationship between ELT materials and teachers and introducing the concepts of teacher autonomy and learner autonomy. The paper presents that teacher autonomy presupposes learner autonomy and effective use of materials can foster teacher autonomy. Approaches to fostering teacher autonomy in the process of using teaching materials are also included.
