In connection with this year’s conference theme of “Multilinguals in the Midwest,” MIDTESOL invites you to get your adult or K-12 students involved in talking about their multilingual experiences! Prizes will be awarded for the best essays, and the authors will be honored in our MIDTESOL publications and at the #MIDTESOL25 conference.
MIDTESOL is pleased to invite current or former English as a Second Language students to participate in this year’s Student Essay Contest. There are two categories with prizes for first, second, and third place in each category.
The first category is for K-12 ESL Student Essays. Any student qualifies who is currently in grades K-12 and has participated in an ESL/EAP program or intensive English program in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, or Nebraska.
The second category is for Adult ESL Students. This category is open for any adult who has participated in an ESL/EAP program, intensive English program, or adult education program at any time (including K-12) in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, or Nebraska.
For both categories, the essay will reflect this year’s conference theme of “Multilinguals in the Midwest” and should be chosen from the list of essay topics below.
Essay Topics
Choose one of the following THREE topics related to this year’s MIDTESOL Conference theme of “Multilinguals in the Midwest:”
The importance of being multilingual:
- Why is multilingualism important for individuals living in the Midwest?
- How does multilingualism contribute to the cultural and social fabric of Midwestern communities?
- What are some unique opportunities that multilingual individuals have in the Midwest?
Multilingualism and education:
- What role should schools play in fostering multilingualism among students in the Midwest?
- How can teachers support multilingual learners in K-12 settings?
- What challenges do educators face in promoting multilingualism, and how can these challenges be addressed?
Multilingual identities and experiences:
- Share a personal or observed story of a multilingual individual in the Midwest and how their language skills impacted their life.
- Reflect on how multilingualism shapes identity in a predominantly English-speaking region like the Midwest.
- How can communities in the Midwest create spaces that celebrate and support multilingual individuals?
Rules and Format
Each participant may submit only one essay and must meet the outlined qualifications above. Because the focus is on celebrating multilingualism, writers are encouraged to submit their essay in both English and whatever native language they choose to use to write. The essay must reflect their own individual work and should have limited guidance from others. The use of normal educational practices (drafting, revising/editing, publishing) is allowed. The final essay should be a minimum of 400 words and not exceed 750 words. The format must be typed, using 12-point Times New Roman font, and double-spaced.
The essay must be submitted with a cover page, which includes the following:
- Participant name and best contact information (phone number, address, and email). [Note: K-12 students can provide contact information for a teacher if desired.]
- Category (K-12 or Adult)
- Related School (name, address, phone number)
Essay Awards
The selected recipient of each contest will be awarded a plaque and/or $100. The name of the recipient, photo, and school affiliation will be published in an upcoming issue of MIDTESOL Matters, the organization’s electronic newsletter. Additional awards include one (1) second place award of $50 and one (1) third place award of $25.
How to Apply
To apply, submit an essay, including a cover page, to MIDTESOL Communications Director (and Awards Committee member) Vicki Anderson at vickianderson@midtesol.org. The submission dates start on April 7 and end no later than May 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM. The subject line of the email should read “MIDTESOL Essay Contest 2025.”
Click here for more information on essay prompts, format, and awards.
