Carolina TESOL December 2025

As we enter a season filled with celebrations from so many cultures and traditions, we’re reminded of the stories, values, and connections that shape our multilingual communities. Winter holidays invite us to pause and notice the rich ways families honor their identity, language, and heritage—reminding us why 'Our Voices, Our Stories' remains such an important frame for the work we do in Carolina TESOL.

These moments of reflection also highlight the subtle ways we build understanding across worlds and cultures. Whether through welcoming classroom practices, intentional family partnerships, or simply taking time to learn from one another, we strengthen the bridges that help our students feel seen and supported. These everyday connections guide us toward the futures we’re helping our learners imagine for themselves, grounded in belonging and possibility.

As the semester winds down, may this season offer you warmth, rest, and renewed purpose. Thank you for the work you do each day to uplift multilingual students, honor their stories, and help them thrive across the many worlds they navigate.

Sincerely,

The Executive Board of Carolina TESOL

Hola. Habari. Muraho. Privet. Hello!

My name is Lisa Brooks Summey, and I am honored to introduce myself to you as the Carolina TESOL President for 2026. I have served as an elementary educator in Spartanburg School District Six for 30 years, teaching 2nd and 3rd grades for 18 of those years. During that time, I witnessed a growing population of students and families in our community who needed intentional support in language acquisition. That realization inspired me to pursue a degree in multilingual education, a decision that changed the course of my career.

For the past 12 years, I have served as an elementary Multilingual Specialist, a role in which I truly feel called to serve. My passion for multilingual learners extends beyond the classroom. I have taught English virtually to Chinese students through VIPKid, volunteered with English Crossing—a faith-based ministry supporting international adult learners, and for the past 3 years I have had the privilege to serve on the Leadership Team of the South Carolina ML Educator Network, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting educators in the multilingual field.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve, support, and advocate for this incredible community of teachers, learners and families.

Warm regards,
Lisa Brooks Summey

We know our ML educators are gearing up for ACCESS testing season, so our Professional Learning Coodinator, Tamara Coburn is leading an in-person workshop for members in the SC Upstate to sharpen their understandings of the ACCESS test and how to support ML students beyond their score.

This is a free workshop and will be held at Palmetto Middle School in Williamston, SC on Saturday, December 6 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Please register in advance so we know how many to expect!

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.

December 18 at 7:30pm:

Fusing Culture and Language to Inspire Global Competence

Presented by Beverlyn Villanueva

January 12 at 7:30pm

Introduction to Translanguaging

Presented by Katie Crook

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.

We’re excited to welcome back Dr. Carol Salva, nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and author of Boosting Achievement, to lead our pre-conference session. 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.

Participants in the pre-conference will receive:

• A copy of the Second Edition of Boosting Achievement

• Access to virtual sessions with Dr. Salva throughout the year

• Practical tools for building language-rich, trauma-informed, asset-based classrooms

• CEU/PD certificates (available for all sessions)

  
  

Whether you're a classroom teacher, instructional coach, administrator, or ELD specialist, this series is designed to meet you where you are and connect you with a community of committed educators.

You can still participate in these virtual session at a low cost of $75!

Session Dates (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)

• January 12, 2026
  
• March 23, 2026
  
• April 20, 2026
  

URGENT DEADLINE: January 2, 2026.

Only 25 spots are left! Register by the deadline to ensure the book is shipped in time for the first session.

Join TESOL International for the first installment of the TESOL Affiliate PD Series, where we'll be covering the self-study "Supporting Multilingual Learners of English with Exceptional Needs."

This 90-minute professional development session will explore strategies and resources for effectively supporting multilingual learners of English with exceptional needs. The event will feature an in-depth, one-hour presentation on this topic, followed by a 30-minute overview of TESOL’s additional self-studies and micro-credentials.

📅 Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
🕖 Time: 7:00–8:30 PM EST
💻 Location: Zoom

This event is free for TESOL International and TESOL Affiliate membersand $10 for nonmembers.

Engage with experts, deepen your understanding of inclusive practices, and discover practical tools to enhance your work with multilingual learners.

This year’s 2025 Carolina TESOL Annual Conference brought together more than 500 educators, leaders, and advocates—each committed to uplifting the voices and stories that shape our multilingual communities. Under the theme Our Voices, Our Stories, the conference centered on the lived experiences, cultural knowledge, and everyday resilience of the learners and families we serve.

Our keynote speakers set a powerful tone. Dr. Amanda Tachine invited us to honor the wisdom held within Native American stories and to consider how those narratives guide our work in education. Ron Daise reminded us of the strength, pride, and preservation within Gullah Geechee culture, offering a deeper understanding of the communities in our own region. And Emily Francis moved us with her students’ stories, showing how mentorship, care, and genuine connection can change the trajectory of a learner’s life.

This spirit of storytelling carried into our breakout sessions, which explored critical and timely topics, including: navigating the WIDA ACCESS test; using scaffolding to promote meaningful language development; reframing IEPs and ILAPs in ways that uplift rather than overshadow student identities; teaching English through immigrant narratives; and engaging AI tools to expand access and opportunity for multilingual learners. Across every room, attendees shared strategies, reflected on challenges, and celebrated the diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes of our classrooms.

As we look back on this year’s conference, we’re grateful for the community that continues to grow around this work—educators who remain committed to listening deeply, teaching responsively, and ensuring that every student’s story is valued. This gathering reaffirmed what we know to be true: when we center voices, we build pathways for belonging, connection, and meaningful futures.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of our participants for joining us at the Fall Workshop. It was truly a spectacular workshop, full of energy, ideas, collaboration, and the spirit that makes our North Central region so special. We are especially grateful to Mr. Orozco for bringing such an amazing session that provided us with even more ideas on how to integrate AI into our classrooms. And to those who drove one or even two hours to be with us, it means so much and truly strengthens our work as a community. At the beginning of next year, Yeison Herrera will be sending out a survey so we can bring these meetings to different counties across the North Central Region and continue expanding our reach and impact together.

Seeking opportunities to engage in advocacy for students and families of multilingual learners?

There will be an Advocacy Committee meeting on Wednesday, December 17th, at 7:30PM.

Join us via Zoom!

POLICY 1: Protected Areas Policy Changes

ICE activity no longer restricted at schools and other sensitive locations

What Changed

• DHS removed adherence to “protected areas” guidance
• ICE can conduct arrests on school campuses (K–12, adult ed, higher ed)
• Communities with undocumented families face increased fear & disruption

What Educators Can Do

Review District Protocols

• Update policies for staff, students, and families

• Reference model districts (e.g., Wayne County, MI)

Know the Law

• ICE must present a judicial warrant unless exigent circumstances apply

• Immigration warrants alone ≠ enforceable

• State policies differ—check local guidance

Train Staff

• Scenario planning: ICE arrives, arrests occur, caregiver detained, etc.

Inform Families (with translation)

• Rights, protocols, and school procedures

• Communicate frequently, even when families don’t ask

POLICY 2: DEI & Federal Funding Restrictions

New executive orders target DEI-related language and spending

What Changed

• Federal review of DEI programs

• Title III funds secure through Sept 2025

• Future funding (FY 2026) uncertain

What Educators Can Do

Review Programs

• Identify DEI language that may be targeted

• Decide whether language changes protect funding or weaken equity work

• Plan for alternative funding sources if needed

Coordinate with Title III Offices

• Ensure all supplemental funds are used

• Unused funds risk future cuts

Advocate

• TESOL Advocacy Action Center

• Advocacy Action Days (virtual & in-person)

• Share your school’s impact with families, local media, and policymakers

POLICY 3: Right to Public Education Challenges

Some state policies attempt to add citizenship requirements for enrollment

What the Law Says

• Plyler v. Doe (1982) guarantees free K–12 education for all children
• Enrollment cannot depend on immigration status

What’s Happening Now

• Oklahoma: Proposed citizenship verification for school enrollment
• Indiana: Proposed ban on undocumented students
• Texas: Bills shifting education costs to federal government
• All face likely civil rights challenges with national implications

What Educators Can Do

Find Community

• Join TESOL communities, regional affiliates, or advocacy groups

• Build networks that offer solidarity and protection

Advocate Through Shared Values

• Education prepares all children for society

• Undocumented families contribute skills, labor, culture, and community vitality

• Frame advocacy around family, hard work, and protecting children

Humanize the Narrative

• Share student strengths, successes, and contributions

• Provide context about resource needs without blaming families

District Leaders

• Update policies

• Review program language

• Coordinate Title III plans and spending

• Protect equity-based programs

School Administrators

• Train staff on protocols

• Prepare communication plans

• Respond to family concerns

• Ensure translation for all languages

Teachers

• Understand warrant procedures

• Support families with clear, accurate information

• Use storytelling to humanize students

• Advocate within your community

Please welcome our new board members for 2026!

Amira Khalile is the President-Elect of Carolina TESOL and a multilingual educator, researcher, and instructional leader with over 17 years of international experience across Africa, the Middle East, and the United States. She currently serves as a Research Assistant and READ Lab Coordinator at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where her work focuses on executive function, literacy, and multilingual learner success. As President-Elect, Amira is dedicated to strengthening advocacy, expanding professional learning opportunities, and elevating the voices of educators and multilingual communities across the Carolinas.

Amira recently represented the Cato College of Education and won first place at the college level in the 3MT (Three-Minute Thesis) competition. Her presentation focused on translanguaging for adult ESL learners and how bilingual instruction supports pronunciation, confidence, and cognitive flexibility. Take a look at her presentation here!

Tanya Aebersold is an enthusiastic and dedicated ML teacher with over 23 years in various educational roles. Currently, she is the lead ML teacher at Bluffton Elementary School in Beaufort County. After becoming a National Board-Certified Teacher in English as a New Language for Early and Middle Childhood, she obtained her M.Ed in ESOL from the College of Charleston. She continued her studies with an Ed.S from the University of Louisville and has recently been accepted to the Ed.D program with the University of the Cumberlands. Tanya has enjoyed serving the Carolina TESOL community as the Lowcountry Representative over the past two years and looks forward to continuing to serve on the board as Secretary. She is a proud single mother of a teenager and balances her work-life serving the Carolina TESOL community with yoga and books.

Gwendolyn Quadri is a veteran ESL educator, literacy coach, and curriculum specialist with over a decade of experience supporting multilingual learners in K–12 and adult education settings. Based in Charlotte, NC, she currently serves as a Master Teacher and Literacy Coach with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where she leads professional development, mentors educators, and designs inclusive instructional frameworks aligned with WIDA and SIOP models. Gwendolyn has presented at regional and national conferences, including Carolina TESOL and TNTESOL, and is deeply committed to advancing equity, language access, and culturally responsive teaching. As NC Advocacy Coordinator, she brings a passion for raising policy awareness, empowering teachers, and amplifying the voices of English learners across the state.

Kelly Poteet is currently an ML academic coach at a Title I school in Winston-Salem, NC. This is her 24th year of teaching and her 17th year working with ML students. Kelly’s passion for ML students began her first year of teaching when she had a student from Nepal and looked for support and resources to teach him. She then began working towards her Master’s degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in ESL. Teaching ML students is Kelly’s passion in life. Seeing them light up when they understand is the most joyous time! When she’s not at work, she loves being in the mountains with her two daughters and husband, along with their three dogs.

Sandra Lopez Greenfield is a Colombian native, graduated from the University of Caldas in Manizales, Colombia with a Foreign Languages (Spanish, English, and French) BA Degree. She taught English for almost thirteen years in her hometown before relocating to the United States in 2008. In the United States, her first experience as an international teacher began in Richland One, SC, and she started her first job as an ESL teacher in Robeson County, NC, in 2009. Due to the language growth of her English Learners, in 2018, Mrs. Lopez Greenfield was appointed as the lead teacher for the ESL program. Her passion is community organizing and teaching with a Whole Child approach to respond to the holistic needs of her ML families. She is also the proud mom of two sons, Alejandro and Christian, who graduated from prestigious universities in Colombia and Norway, respectively. In her new role as the Carolina TESOL Eastern NC Representative, she aspires to integrate the best practices she has learned so far to benefit both the ML members and the broader community.

Tonya Benjamin joins Carolina TESOL with extensive experience as a Multilingual Learner Specialist and formal training in MLP from both the College of Charleston and The Citadel. She is a passionate advocate for multilingual learners and the educators who serve them. Tonya champions accurate and equitable MTSS procedures to ensure language acquisition is properly considered before intervention decisions are made. She also works to strengthen family engagement by promoting meaningful, culturally responsive communication between schools and families. Her dedication to collaboration, advocacy, and lifelong learning makes her excited to lead educators in the Lowcountry for Carolina TESOL.

Kristin Hollis-Benosky is a Multilingual Learner Program Specialist currently serving in Lexington School District Two. With over 17 years of experience in K–12 education, she has led district-wide initiatives for ML program development and educator training. Kristin has designed and delivered numerous professional learning sessions that strengthen instructional practices and foster inclusive classrooms for multilingual learners. As a Regional Representative, she aims to expand PD opportunities for educators and build stronger networks to support ML programs across the Carolinas. Kristin is passionate about promoting equitable access to language education and actively engaging districts in Carolina TESOL’s mission.

We would like to extend special gratitude to our outgoing board members, who have volunteered their time to support multilingual students and educators in the Carolinas over the past few years. Each former board member has made a significant impact on our organization in their own unique way.

President - Dr. Stephen Krawczyk

Secretary - Dr. Ali Turner

NC Advocacy Coordinator - Dr. Jenn Mann

SC Advocacy Coordinator - Jamie Fletcher

Publications Editor - Jamie Fox

NC Piedmont Representative - Analia Wells

NC Eastern Representative - Leona Mason

As educators, we are often bombarded with the latest new thing or revisiting strategies that never should have been replaced. We would like to use this space to highlight instructional strategies and resources that work well for ML students and for the teachers who educate them. These resources may come from you, someone you know, something you are reading, or something we are reading or have found.

If you’d like to contribute, please email Sharon Jackson at scupstate@carolinatesol.com or complete this Google form. She will contact you to let you know which Carolina TESOL newsletter will feature your trend or treasure. We look forward to all we will discover together.

We want to know what you are doing in your classrooms, offices, and positions, so we can share YOUR voices and tell YOUR stories. So, we are introducing MemberSpotlights to our publications. Please consider helping us introduce this by filling out the attached Google Form, which provides insight into the wonderful things you are doing in your classroom and community to empower ML students and families.

We are already working on creating an even better experience at our 2026 Carolina TESOL conference in Charleston, SC. We are looking for volunteers from our membership to support these efforts. Please fill out this interest form if you are interested in joining a volunteer committee!