2026 WAESOL Annual Conference

Political conflicts, environmental disasters, physical and mental health crises, food and housing insecurity, and mass migration and displacement have disrupted the lives of unprecedented numbers across the globe, and the students in our classrooms are no exception. Throughout history, educators have had to navigate supporting learners who are living in crisis, while simultaneously managing their own physical, mental, and emotional challenges. In this keynote we will share an overview of the key concepts supporting teacher persistence and student resilience: trauma-sensitive teaching, social-emotional learning, and teacher well-being. We will highlight current scholarship in the field and share examples of how extraordinary educators are harnessing hope in uncertain times.