January 2024

I feel honored and humbled to take the chair position in our SIG. I do understand the nature of this responsibility and I thank Liv Davila, our past chair, for her mentorship and continued support for the past two years and until today. I also feel so grateful for having been able to collaborate and learn from colleagues in all leadership positions within our SIG, and those of you who, without hesitation, volunteer to help whenever needed. Nothing would be possible without your selfless efforts. We are a new team this year and we appreciate your patience as we learn and try to refine the ins and outs of the many responsibilities of our SIG. Now, make sure you check the impressive profile of our new leadership SIG officers. If you have any suggestions, ideas, and/or general feedback for us, reach out. We are all here to serve you, our community.

I would like to join my voice to those who demand an immediate ceasefire and an end to all violence in the world. And especially, the violence against innocent lives of children. As James Baldwin stated, “The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe; and I am beginning to suspect that whoever is incapable of recognizing this may be incapable of morality.” (Notes on the house of bondage, The Nation, Nov. 1, 1980) We must protect ALL children and be an exemplar to them by protecting with greater strength those who are voiceless, dispossessed, despised, and marginalized. We must stop the dehumanization that war represents for every human being once and for all. No excuses. No pretexts. It begins within us: END WAR NOW.

It was great to see so many of you at the AERA Annual Meeting in Chicago. The weather was a little chilly for my taste (let’s be honest ☺); but that did not prevent you from joining us at the National Museum of Mexican Art and strolling around to learn about los murales de Pilsen. Some of us even stayed to get tacos in the neighborhood right after. It was fun!

As fun it was to be part of La Pachanga with our colleagues of the Bilingual Education Research, Latina/o/x Research Issues, and Language and Social Processes SIGs. At our business meeting, we had the pleasure of listening to our 2023 SLR SIG award recipients, Dr. Manka Varghese, University of Washington (Leadership Through Research Award); Dr. Hayriye Kayi-Aydar, University of Arizona & Dr. Becky Huang, The Ohio State University (Mid-Career Award, co-recipients); and Dr. Caitlin Fine, Metropolitan State University of Denver (Outstanding Dissertation Award).

Our leadership team is already preparing for the 2024 annual meeting in Philadelphia (April 11 – 14). This year’s theme is “Dismantling Racial Injustice and Constructing Educational Possibilities: A Call to Action.” We are looking forward to connecting with you there. Stay in touch. We are just an email away.

¡Gracias por toda su ayuda y contribuciones a nuestra SIG!

David Nieto

Latest: Fall 2023 Newsletter Interactive version (includes videos) & PDF version

Spring 2023 Newsletter Interactive version (includes videos) & PDF version

Fall 2022 Newsletter: Interactive version (includes videos) & PDF version

Spring 2022 Newsletter: Interactive version (includes videos) & PDF version

Fall 2021 Newsletter: Interactive version & PDF version

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