The English language has become the communication vehicle of the process of globalization, enhanced and accelerated also by the development of technologies. It is the default language of international contacts nowadays. English is the language most often learned and taught as a foreign/second language, and it has become the language of planetary range. The new role and status of English has inspired the author to search for new educational goals and dimensions of English language education. English as a global language means that its learner acquires a new global (planetary) identity and teaching English as a foreign language has gone far beyond traditional glottodidactics. There arises a new role for the English teacher, who is also a broker of global (planetary) values and universal cultural issues. The author also outlines the concept of planetary education through teaching English as a global language.