The Bilingual Education Interest Section (BEIS) of TESOL has the purpose of supporting and promoting primary languages and literacies as fundamental to the acquisition of English as a second or additional language. BEIS supports the human right of all individuals to develop and maintain proficiency in a primary language, including a native signed language, and in English. Teachers of English to Deaf Students (TEDS) is part of BEIS.

The BEIS leadership team for 2012-13 is as follows:

• Aida Nevárez-La Torre, Chair
• Sandra Mercuri, Chair-Elect
• Kristin Snoddon, Past Chair

The Special Topic Issue of Bilingual Basics will be edited by Francisco Ramos and Yvette Lapayese. Please see the sidebar for more information.