Advocacy

Carolina TESOL is committed to advocating for English Learners (ELs) throughout the Carolinas by informing educators of national, state, and local research, issues, and policies affecting ELs and advising its membership of advocacy resources and opportunities.

South Carolina Advocacy

Pee Dee Representative Richard McCabe and SC Advocacy Coordinator Destiny Shannon met with Kaitlin Williams, Senior Policy Advisor, and Shaefer Cabaniss, Legislative Aide to South Carolina US Senator Lindsey Graham's office, to discuss continued funding and support for ML students in the FY 25 and FY 26.

North Carolina Advocacy

From left, former NC Advocacy Coordinators Dr. Jon Smart and Dr. Jen C. Mann met with North Carolina legislators to discuss how federal legislation affects higher education, as well as PK-12 Multilingual Learners across the United States.

2025 TESOL Advocacy Action Days June 16-18

TESOL Advocacy Action Days in DC TESOL International annually holds the Advocacy Action Days in Washington, D.C. for those interested in meeting with members of Congress (and/or their staff) to discuss educational needs.

Carolina TESOL sent three representatives, one for North Carolina and two for South Carolina. These educators met with TESOL International Advocacy Director Jeff Hutcheson, as well as other TESOL affiliate members to collaborate and learn about policymaking and progress.

The focus for Carolina TESOL during the Summit was to forge relationships with members of Congress who represent the two Carolinas. Being knowledgeable about the current legislation was important to engage the members of Congress and their staff in meaningful discussions. Both South Carolina and North Carolina members went to offices of US Senators and Representatives for meetings, as well as brought collateral to leave with the staff to later review our legislative priorities.