The Black English Language Professionals and Friends (BELPaF) annual meeting creates a space for Black TESOLers to have a respite from the White norms that prevail at the annual TESOL Convention. This article outlines the history and work of BELPaF, situates it within the context of TESOL’s core values, and calls for continued support of this important group. Read More

Mitchell discusses a personal reflection around invalidated identity in the context of foreign language anxiety. He discusses how his lived experience influenced his own anxieties and explores how this relates to this research. Finally, Mitchell suggests it is important for teachers to consider how their classrooms might create spaces for oppression and invalidation. Read More

Texas has created a course to build social intelligence for newcomer English learners that focuses on language acquisition along with social and emotional skills. This article addresses the following questions: What types of skills are the focus of this innovative new type of course offering? What obstacles will the district need to address in order to assure success for our refugee students? Read More

Can empathy and solidarity be taught? Who are the allies of ESL and EFL teachers? What sustains meaningful activities? These were the questions that guided the team of the Visual World Foundation when they developed “The Neighbor’s Window” project. This article describes a traveling exhibition of art installations based on historical photographs that address the bystander effect and lend themselves well to accompanying workshops and language classes on social issues, individual responsibility, and advocacy. Read More

In this article, the book Teachers as Allies: Transformative Practices for Teaching DREAMers and Undocumented Studentsis reviewed in anticipation of a book club that will begin later this summer. This newly released book provides relevant information and resources that educators need to better support undocumented children and youth and to better serve immigrant families as they navigate the K–12 and higher education systems. Read More