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Read Across America Week 2026

Supporting Literacy for Multilingual Learners

Read Across America Week 2026 Supporting Literacy for Multilingual Learners
Read AcrossAmerica Week 2026Supporting Literacy for Multilingual Learners

Dear Carolina TESOL Members, Dear Carolina TESOL Members,

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This week, we celebrate the joy and power of reading and advocate for the inclusion of multicultural books in every classroom. Diverse stories not only reflect the rich experiences of our students but also help all learners develop empathy, understanding, and a broader view of the world. By choosing books that honor different cultures, languages, and perspectives, we can ensure that every student sees themselves represented and valued.


Culturally responsive teaching goes hand in hand with diverse literature. When educators intentionally incorporate stories that reflect the experiences and voices of all learners, reading becomes more than a skill—it becomes a bridge to connection, belonging, and meaningful learning. Classrooms that showcase inclusive books create spaces where every student feels heard, respected, and inspired.


To support your teaching and students, we’ve included a list of multicultural book recommendations in this newsletter. We hope these titles spark rich conversations and inspire learners to explore stories from a variety of perspectives. Happy reading!




Sincerely,

The Executive Board of Carolina TESOL

Multicultural Book Recommendations

They Called Us Enemy

by George Takei

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When Stars are Scattered

by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

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The Proudest Blue

by Ibtihaj Muhammad

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Other Words for Home

by Jasmine Warga

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Solito

byJavier Zamora

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Girl in Translation

by Jean Kwok

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Be Bim Bop

by Linda Sue Park

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The Day You Begin

by Jacqueline Woodson

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Cuatro Ojos

by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza

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New Kid

by Jerry Craft

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Carolina TESOL IMPACT Series Carolina TESOL IMPACT Series

The Carolina TESOL IMPACT Series is our ongoing commitment to providing job-embedded, relevant, and member-led professional learning throughout the year. These sessions are an excellent way for your members to connect, share expertise, and earn certificates of attendance toward professional credits.


March 12, 2026

Multilingual Scaffolding for Content Teachers

Presenter: John Spigner, Publications Coordinator


April 9, 2026

Presenter: Revae Bostwick, Carolina TESOL Past President


May 21, 2026

Presenter: Kelly Poteet, NC Piedmont Representative



How to Join:


Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86965055366?pwd=gBUx6wGnXRcpwHS213rtLH6j5HeWGA.1&authuser=4


Google Classroom: Use code d4ga6b for resources.


Note: Attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance to submit to their school district for potential CEUs or recertification credit, per district guidelines.


Key Action for Members:

We encourage members not just to attend, but to consider presenting their own successful strategies! Look for future announcements and calls for proposals to lead a session and share their IMPACT. For more information please email Tamara Coburn at learning@carolinatesol.com.

SLIFE Webinar Series with Dr. Carol Salva SLIFE Webinar Series with Dr. Carol Salva

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Supporting SLIFE & Newcomers: From Grade-Level Learning to Accelerating Language & Literacy

Our Professional learning series with Dr. Carol Salva, nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and author of Boosting Achievement, continues! Following her interactive workshop during our Pre-Conference, Dr. Salva will continue to explore high-impact practices that support literacy development, academic acceleration, and student confidence for multilingual learners—especially those entering school with gaps in formal education.


Session Dates (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)

At this time, registration is closed. Registered participants will be emailed a zoom link.

  • March 23, 2026
  • April 20, 2026

SC Midlands Meetup SC Midlands Meetup

Midlands Members — You’re Invited!


Join Carolina TESOL for our Spring Meet-Up at the Columbia International Festival on April 18, 2026!

As a special perk, your $10 entry ticket is FREE with Carolina TESOL membership and includes access to both days of the festival (April 18–19).


Important:

  • All participants must pre-register by April 6, 2026.

  • Membership will be verified for free entry.

  • Not a current member? Interested participants may pay dues on the membership page at Carolinatesol.combefore registering.


On the day of the event, look for the RED Carolina TESOL shirts and balloons to find your community!

Come celebrate culture, connect with fellow educators, and enjoy this vibrant experience together. We can’t wait to see you there!

2026 Carolina TESOL Conference 2026 Carolina TESOL Conference

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Carolina TESOL is excited to invite you to Charleston, South Carolina, from November 11-13, 2026 for the 40th Annual Carolina TESOL Fall Conference! This year’s conference will be held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton at 5055 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC. The Conference Planning Committee is pleased to welcome educators from across North and South Carolina!


Presenter Proposals

Proposals should be submitted via our Call for Proposals Form. The deadline to submit proposals is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The Conference Committee will notify all proposal applicants of their

acceptance or denial on Thursday, April 30, 2025. At that time, directions for registration and

payment will be given. Presenters must register and pay for the conference by Saturday, August

15, 2026 to hold their spot in the 2026 Carolina TESOL Conference program. Review the

2026 Carolina TESOL Conference Website for additional information.


Exhibitor Proposals

Our exhibitors are encouraged to share concrete examples, classroom practices, data-informed outcomes, and lessons learned utilizing their products or programs that directly benefit our participants. Our goal is for participants to leave equipped with ideas, strategies, and programs that help build inclusive learning environments and bright futures for multilingual students. Exhibitor proposals should be submitted via our Call for Exhibitors Form.The deadline to submit proposals is April 15, 2026. The Conference Committee will notify all proposal applicants of their acceptance or denial on April 30, 2026. At that time, directions for registration and payment will be given. Presenters MUST register AND pay for the conference by August 15, 2026 in order to be included in the 2025 Carolina TESOL Conference program. Registration and payments received after the deadline will not be held.


Please direct all questions regarding proposals for potential presenters and exhibitors to the conference committee at conference2026@carolinatesol.com.

Awards & Grants

Carolina Canvas Awards Carolina Canvas Awards

The theme of the contest is, “Bridging Worlds, Building Futures, ” What worlds do you live in? What helps you move between them? These moments become bridges, shaping who you are and where you are going. They reflect your experiences, your hopes, and your identity. What do you want others to know about you, your community, and the future we are building?


Entries can be visual art or creative writing, and are judged in various age groups:


  • Primary (K-2)
  • Intermediate (3-5)
  • Middle school (6-8)
  • High school (9-12)
  • Adult Education/University



Entries accepted March 2-March 31, 2026. To enter, fill out this form in totality, including an upload of the artwork or creative writing. If you have questions, please email Mayra Morales-Scott at members@CarolinaTESOL.com. Thank you for participation.

Suzannah Blackwell Scholarship Suzannah Blackwell Scholarship

Applications are now open for the 2026 Suzannah Blackwell Scholarship! This scholarship supports multilingual students as they continue their education.

Deadline:

All application materials must be submitted by March 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.


⚠️ Both parts are required and must be completed by the deadline.


📝 Application Components

  1. Student Application:
    https://forms.gle/Z58Z9xyYwsVJVMpk9

  2. Recommendation Form:
    https://forms.gle/GT25wVHpZvWBhzYx7


💰 Scholarship Awards

Each spring, four $750 scholarships are awarded:

  • Two in North Carolina

  • Two in South Carolina


✅ Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be current high school seniors in South Carolina or North Carolina

  • Be current or former multilingual (English) learners

  • Plan to enroll in an accredited U.S. university or community college for the 2026–2027 academic year


📧 Questions?

For more information, contact Revae Bostwick at:
President2024@CarolinaTESOL.com

We had a great Advocacy Committee meeting on December 17th. Gwendolyn and Destiny have set up meetings with different organizations to work on creating connections within the communities and state with organizations that share the same vision and goals as TESOL. Destiny will attend the CarABE annual event in February to further learn about the organization, create connections and cultivate possible collaborations in the future.
TEACH Fellowship 2026–2027

Association of International Cultural and Educational Exchange - Taiwan

The TEACH Fellowship (Teach English Abroad and Change Happens) is an international teaching fellowship organized by the Association for International Cultural and Educational Exchange (AICEE). The program places English-speaking educators in Taiwan’s K–12 public schools to support bilingual education, collaborate with local teachers, and promote meaningful cultural exchange. TEACH Fellows work directly in classrooms, contributing to student-centered English instruction while gaining valuable international teaching and cross-cultural experience.


Application Timeline
Early December 2025: Online application opens
March 13, 2026: Soft Deadline
March 2026-July 2026: Applications accepted and fellowship recipients announced by AICEE
July 31, 2026: Final Deadline to apply


Early applications are strongly encouraged, as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis.


Learn More about the program

  • Program Overview: https://aicee.org.tw/en/teachfellowship/
  • Eligibility & Benefits: https://aicee.org.tw/en/teachfellowship/eligibility/
  • How to Apply: https://aicee.org.tw/en/teachfellowship/apply/
  • Fellows’ story: https://aicee.org.tw/en/teachfellowship/fellows-stories/
  • TEACH Fellowship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachfellowship?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Carolina TESOL Newsletter
https://sites.google.com/carolinatesol.com/home/
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