TESOL: Rooted in Care: Creating Welcoming Spaces through Noddings’ Framework

In this session, I share practical strategies and tips designed to help learners feel welcomed, included, and genuinely heard in the classroom. These approaches are grounded in Nel Noddings’ Ethics of Care framework, which emphasizes that meaningful education is rooted in caring relationships. According to Noddings, care is not an optional add-on but a fundamental aspect of effective teaching and learning. By fostering empathy, connection, and respect, educators can create nurturing environments where all students can thrive. The session offers actionable ideas to build trust and affirm students’ identities through relational, student-centered practices.
 
Presenter
Alia Hadid is an Assistant Professor and the Co-Director of the TESOL/Bilingual Education Program at Rhode Island College. She researches language learners and immigrant and refugee communities, focusing on their experiences. Her work connects learner perspectives with teacher education to bridge gaps between teachers and students and elevate marginalized voices.

Register on the TESOL website