Spring 2026
Seeds of Possibilities

Dear Carolina TESOL Members,
Spring is a season of growth, renewal, and fresh possibilities. As educators, we see this energy reflected in our classrooms, where students explore new ideas and develop their skills every day. This is the perfect time to celebrate the progress of multilingual learners and the dedication of teachers who make learning meaningful for all.
This spring, we continue to highlight strategies, resources, and stories that support inclusive and culturally responsive teaching. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we strengthen our community and inspire one another to create classrooms where every student feels valued and supported. Growth happens when we learn together, and this season reminds us of the impact of collaboration and shared commitment.
We are grateful for the passion and dedication of our Carolina TESOL members. Together, we cultivate a community where diverse voices are honored, ideas flourish, and learning thrives. As we embrace this spring, we look forward to new opportunities, fresh perspectives, and continued growth for both educators and students.
Sincerely,
The Executive Board of Carolina TESOL
40th Annual 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 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.
April 16, 2026
Understanding Language Proficiency Levels
Presenter: Revae Bostwick, Carolina TESOL Past President
May 21, 2026
Presenter: Kelly Poteet, NC Piedmont Representative
How to Join:
Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85189608342?pwd=tgXgpH4zHb3XwR81z3CaWI954c7Dxo.1#success
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.
- Final Session: 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.
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!
Questions? Contact Kristin Hollis-Benosky at scmidlands@carolinatesol.com!
NC Central Meetup
High Engagement, High Impact: Building Vocabulary Games That Work
NC Central Representative, Yeisson Herrera, is excited to share that Carolina TESOL members Karen Suarez and Edna Celis, who are also educators working for Vance County Schools, will be developing and facilitating our Spring regional workshop! This session will focus on practical, high-impact, and engaging vocabulary instruction strategies that teachers can immediately implement in their classrooms.
Please complete the following form to confirm your attendance:
Place: Thornton Library (210 Main Street, Oxford, NC 27565)
Date: May 23rd, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
Snacks will be provided, and you can bring a guest.
Questions? Contact Yeisson Herrera at centralnc@carolinatesol.com!
2026 Carolina TESOL Summer Book Club
We’re gearing up for our 3rd Annual Carolina TESOL Summer Book Chat! This is an opportunity to learn by reading and sharing ideas with educators across the Carolinas!
Summer 2026 Book Pick:
The Book of Unknown Americans: A Novel by Chritina Henriquez
When fifteen-year-old Maribel Rivera sustains a terrible injury, the Riveras leave behind a comfortable life in Mexico and risk everything to come to the United States so that Maribel can have the care she needs. Once they arrive, it’s not long before Maribel attracts the attention of Mayor Toro, the son of one of their new neighbors, who sees a kindred spirit in this beautiful, damaged outsider. Their love story sets in motion events that will have profound repercussions for everyone involved. Here Henríquez seamlessly interweaves the story of these star-crossed lovers, and of the Rivera and Toro families, with the testimonials of men and women who have come to the United States from all over Latin America. --From the Publisher, Vintage
While our Regional Representatives are working out the details, fill out this Google form to let them know if you can make it to our in-person meetup in Clover, SC! We look forward to another summer of reading and growing with our members!
April Advocacy Bingo
Advocate for multilingual learners and communities during April with our Advocacy Bingo board! Carolina TESOL and SC Multilingual Educator Network (SCMLE) have teamed up to provide this April Advocacy bingo board! Complete Bingo and submit an entry form by April 30 for your chance to win a copy of “The School I Deserve” by Jo Napolitano!
Advocacy Committee Meeting
Time: Apr 22, 2026 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84926752706?pwd=5M0bIhZv2RoO0J3vvIYwQPbFmGpYd1.1
Meeting ID: 849 2675 2706
Passcode: 8UmZX3
Join instructions
https://us05web.zoom.us/meetings/84926752706/invitations?signature=5xTKg463vp0D5nYVLygB28bmgM7rX1zpeL3UrzDcuPw
NC Advocacy Update
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 through April 15, 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.
Membership
Have you paid 2026 membership dues? Your annual $15 payment goes to support the awards & grants we provide for ML students and educators. To check if you are up to date on dues, please head over to our membership portal. If you have any questions about membership, please contact Mayra Morales-Scott at membership@carolinatesol.com!