Dr. Kia V. Johnson

A timely and important read from Education Week on what the Science of Reading movement has meant for English learners. One of the key takeaways is clear: evidence-based literacy instruction for multilingual learners must be linguistically inclusive, culturally affirming, and responsive to the realities of second language development. 

That is exactly why Center for Applied Linguistics created the new CAL Literacy: Comprehensive Approach to Literacy Instruction Institute.

Grounded in the National Committee for Effective Literacy framework, this four-day virtual institute helps educators move beyond one-size-fits-all literacy models to implement research-based practices that integrate:
• Oral language development
• Foundational literacy skills
• Vocabulary and comprehension
• Cross-linguistic and metalinguistic awareness
• Culturally sustaining pedagogy

If your school or district is working to align literacy instruction with the Science of Reading while ensuring multilingual learners are meaningfully included in that work, this institute is for you.

📅 April 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026
🔗 Register here: https://solutions.cal.org/event/cal-lit-apr26/

What the 'Science of Reading' Movement Has Meant for English Learners (Opinion) We should think of reading instruction for multilingual learners as a bridge, not a checklist.

Can’t wait to help support this event next week! Make sure you’re registered! 😍

Since turning 40 last weekend, I’ve been doing some reflecting on this season of life, and I’m realizing I’m in a space that feels both powerful and heavy at the same time.

Professionally, I’m leading, building, and creating work that I hope leaves a lasting impact. Personally, I’m raising my daughters, nurturing my family, and continuing to grow through experiences that have shaped me in ways I’m still understanding. There is a deep sense of purpose in all of it, but there is also weight.

This phase is less about proving anything and more about being intentional. About legacy. About deciding where my energy goes and what truly matters. It is also about acknowledging that even in moments of success, there can still be fatigue, grief, and questions that do not always have easy answers.

I am learning that strength is not just about carrying everything. It is also about being honest about the load and creating space for support, rest, and joy.

Sharing this in case someone else is navigating a similar season.

Celebrating 60 years of TESOL and wrapping up an incredible conference here in Salt Lake City. Expectedly, I am leaving inspired, energized, and full of new ideas.

As always, it was great to connect with so many wonderful colleagues and friends in the field. Let’s keep doing the heart work that matters for our MLs! See you next year in Houston!

If you’re here at , come start your morning with us in room 355 B!

Meet CAL at the TESOL 2026 Convention! https://ow.ly/NF0Y50YxCYQ
📑Intersectional Identities Within and Beyond TESOL: Continuing the Conversation
📌 Ballroom J at the Salt Palace Convention Center
📅Today, March 26, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM
🌟Dr. Ching-Ching Lin (Adelphi University)
🌟Kia V Johnson, EdD (Center for Applied Linguistics)
🌟 Ricardo Valle (Euroidiomas)
🌟Drew Fagan (University of Maryland)
This panel aims to extend and expand collective efforts by showcasing intersectional identities in TESOL and amplifying identities across generations and geographical spaces in teaching, research, mentoring, and leading.

Download my newly released research brief today!

The Center for Applied Linguistics is excited to announce a new Brief!
“Bless Your Heart” Leadership: Advancing Equity in Rural and Low -Incidence EL Programs by Kia V Johnson, EdD.
Rural and low-incidence districts across the United States are experiencing notable growth in multilingual learner (ML) enrollment, particularly in new destination states where immigration has increased in recent decades, but educators face challenges, including limited funding, staffing shortages, insufficient professional development, and geographic isolation, while trying to serve their students. A new CAL brief explores how the “Bless Your Heart” leadership framework can provide a locally responsive model for district leaders.
Download your copy today! https://ow.ly/E1Vq50YeMho

That’s a wrap on NAELPA and NABE in Chicago and wow, what a week!

I’m on the plane headed home feeling so full. Full of ideas, full of love for this field, and full of gratitude for the people who make multilingual learner education what it is.

So thankful for time with my people, there is nothing like being in community with folks who truly get the work and the why behind it.

And to all the legends in this space that I got to hug, laugh with, learn from, and exchange ideas with this week, thank you. Reuniting, sharing expertise, and being reminded that none of us does this work alone is everything.

Chicago, you were good to us. NAELPA and NABE, thank you for another powerful convening. Now headed home to rest, reflect, and get back to the work 💙 ✌🏾

Grateful for an unexpected and meaningful moment this morning at ☕️
I had the honor of running into Former Secretary Miguel Cardona, former U.S. Secretary of Education, while grabbing coffee, and we shared a brief but powerful conversation about the importance of continuing the work for multilingual learner education and bilingualism, no matter what is happening around us or in the world today.

Truly honored and humbled by the opportunity.
Bilingualism is a superpower—then, now, and always. 💙🌍

I’m really excited to share that my first research paper based on my dissertation — “Bless Your Heart” Leadership: Advancing Equity in Rural and Low-Incidence EL Programs — was released today! 🎉

I am especially grateful to my professional home, the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), for elevating my work and creating space for me to share research that is grounded in practice, community, and care. Working in an organization that values inquiry, reflection, and equity makes this milestone even more meaningful.

This brief draws from my qualitative study of Title III coordinators in rural and low-incidence districts and highlights leadership strategies that are contextually responsive, equity-focused, and rooted in advocacy for multilingual learners.

Thank you to CAL, my colleagues, mentors, and the practitioners who trusted me with their stories. I hope this work resonates with those leading and serving in similar contexts.

🔗 Read/download the brief:

“Bless Your Heart” Leadership: Advancing Equity in Rural and Low-Incidence EL Programs - Center for Applied Linguistics This research brief summarizes findings from a qualitative study examining how Title III coordinators in rural and low-incidence districts support multilingual learners (MLs) in resource-limited settings.