Letter from the Editors

Renée Rogers, Independent Educational Consultant, Portland, Oregon, USA
Vanessa Virgiel, Beyond Space Program, The Forum for Cultural Engagement, Washington, D.C., USA

Dear Colleagues,

We write to you in a time of global unease and unrest. There are wars, kidnappings, and increasing scarcity for many. During this time, we wish to amplify the message that we belong within communities and that our ability to secure and thrive in each other’s collective futures lies in communal caretaking. The work you do as educators matters. We are here on this planet together, and our work uplifts voices and opportunities for our colleagues and learners.

You don’t hear this enough because none of us ever do, but thank you for your service. Thank you for teaching with passion, on the right side of justice, and for teaching the skills students need to stand up against the oppression in the world. If you feel you are not doing enough, remember that we are doing critical work to honor multilingualism and ensure that all learners are supported. For teachers of younger learners, you are also empowering the future generation to use their voices to stand up for what’s right. We—all of us—must continue to advocate for the dis/abled children in our communities and their rights.

In this issue, you will read about the emotional labor of learning English, a book review for Lily Xiao Speaks Out by Nicole Chen, Universal Design for Learning tools to add to your repertoire, and how digital storytelling is an inclusive medium. You will also find information about the Supporting Students with Disabilities Interest Section’s activities at the 2026 TESOL Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, and all of the other dis/ability-related sessions. Remember to read the letter from our Chair, Jill Hakemian.

Thank you for taking the time to read and engage with this newsletter. We look forward to hearing any feedback you have.

Be Well,

Renée Rogers and Vanessa Virgiel