Letter from the Chair-Elect
Haiyan Li, PhD, CALL-IS Chair-Elect, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
Redefining the Future of Language Learning: Join CALL-IS at TESOL 2026
Dear CALL-IS Members,
Building on the incredible momentum from our time in Long Beach, I am thrilled to invite you to join us for the TESOL 2026 International Convention & Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah. As we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of educational technology, CALL-IS remains at the forefront, bridging the gap between innovative tools and ethical, effective pedagogy.
I am pleased to highlight two pivotal academic sessions that underscore our commitment to these goals:
TESOL 2026 CALL Academic Session: Operationalizing AI for Equitable, Ethical, and Effective Language Learning
The invited panelists will discuss moving beyond the “what” of AI to the “how.” They will explore practical frameworks for integrating AI in ways that prioritize equity and ethics, ensuring that these powerful tools serve to narrow, rather than widen educational gaps.
CALL & ITA Intersection Session: Empowering International Teaching Assistants (ITAs): CALL Resources for Effective Training
Co-organized by the ITA-IS and CALL-IS, this collaborative session focuses on the unique needs of ITAs. CALL-enhanced resources and scaffolded training modules will be shared, which were designed to improve ITA instruction and ongoing support. Key topics include:
- Integrating CALL frameworks into ITA orientation and training
- Sharing sample workshop materials and CALL-enhanced modules
- Strategies for scaffolded pedagogy and curriculum design for ITAs
Looking Ahead: The TechTalk Series
Our engagement doesn’t end in Salt Lake City. In the coming year, we are excited to continue our TechTalk Series. These sessions provide a deep dive into emerging technologies, offering hands-on demonstrations and a platform for our members to share their own classroom innovations throughout the academic year.
Connect With Us in Salt Lake City
We are also planning several opportunities for us to connect:
- CALL-IS Open Meeting: Learn about our latest initiatives and hear leadership election results.
- Networking Lounge: Visit us daily in the Exhibit Hall to meet the leadership team and fellow CALL enthusiasts.
- CALL-IS Dinner: Join us for an evening of informal networking and community building.
Detailed schedule will be shared when finalized.
Join Our Leadership Team
CALL-IS thrives on the expertise and passion of its members. We are currently seeking dedicated individuals for leadership positions. If you are interested in shaping the future of computer-assisted language learning, please review the nomination details on our myTESOL CALL-IS page and submit your application.
I look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City as we continue to redefine the boundaries of language education together.
Warm regards,
Haiyan Li, Ph.D., Lecturer, Purdue University; Chair-Elect, CALL-IS
Dr. Haiyan Li is a Lecturer in the PLaCE program at Purdue University with extensive teaching experience across K–12 and college levels. Her research focuses on fostering bilingualism and biliteracy in multilingual classrooms, with specific interests in AI-enhanced curriculum design and instructional strategies for ELL/ ESL learners.