#MIDTESOL26

“Cultivating Linguistic Identities in the Midwest” invites session proposals exploring the complexities of navigating the multiple identities all language learners can possess, along with supporting their education within our Midwestern communities. We encourage presenters to center the experiences and needs of multilingual individuals, sharing approaches that help educators honor students’ multilingual identities and view multilingualism as an asset. Proposals may address the intersection of English proficiency with students’ home languages, strategies for fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments, and innovative methods for supporting multilingual learners. Sessions should provide research-based insights, practical tools, and meaningful strategies to empower English language teachers in serving the Midwest’s growing multilingual population that also account for supporting this population in the best way possible amidst a period of change.