LLA Homecoming Welcome It is with great joy and love that I welcome you to the LLA Summer Institute. Our theme, “Love in Action: A Commitment to Freedom and Justice,” is so timely given all the atrocities that we have witnessed across these last few months. We have witnessed the senseless shooting of children and elders in schools, grocery stores, and places of worship. We have witnessed censorship of teachers and the banning of books. Given this current context, I know that this may be very daunting and overwhelming at times; however, I also know that as holistic educators, you have a commitment and passion for the profession, your students, and the community at large, and because of your commitment to freedom, justice, and literacy education, you are compelled to act. I believe that our actions must be steeped in love. To move our collective actions forward, this year’s Institute is intentionally designed for us to learn with and from holistic educators who are experts in cultivating the types of ecosystems where love and justice abound. This year’s Institute provides a space for you to share how this work is taken up in your local contexts, your research, and your scholarship. It also offers participants literacy practices that affirm and celebrate students’ identities, languages, and cultures—building a community of engaged, valued, and thoughtful learners. Finally, this space provides a time for you to network with others who are doing similar work so that we can forge stronger connections and make greater impact. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not share that I support NCTE’s Remaining in Solidarity with Teachers statement. I stand in solidarity with teachers. Like NCTE, LLA will continue to provide relevant learning experiences and advocacy support as needed. LLA will remain a safe space for you to thrive. In closing, I draw on the words of bell hooks, who reminds us, “Without justice there can be no love.” Welcome home! It’s been a while, but I sure am glad you are here.
Regards, Michele Myers, PhD LLA President
HOMECOMING 2022 PROGRAM
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