Read Across America Week 2026
Supporting Literacy for Multilingual Learners

Dear Carolina TESOL Members,
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
They Called Us Enemy
by George Takei
When Stars are Scattered
by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
The Proudest Blue
by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Other Words for Home
by Jasmine Warga
Solito
byJavier Zamora
Girl in Translation
by Jean Kwok
Be Bim Bop
by Linda Sue Park
The Day You Begin
by Jacqueline Woodson
Cuatro Ojos
by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza
New Kid
by Jerry Craft
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
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
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
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.
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
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
Student Application:
https://forms.gle/Z58Z9xyYwsVJVMpk9Recommendation 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
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==