Introduction
The purpose of this special issue is to explore current topics in literacy education around the world by highlighting papers presented at the 2026 “International Association for Research in L1 Education (ARLE)/International Federation for the Teaching of English (IFTE) Conference”. Specifically, we are seeking presented papers that investigate how language, literature, and literacy education can advance decolonial, socially just, and context-responsive practices across diverse educational settings. Papers may also discuss how theory, research methods, pedagogy, and activism empower learners and reimagine language and literacy education in relation to place, technology, and contemporary social challenges.
List of Topic Areas
Papers may include, but are not limited to:
Language, literature and de-colonial/anti-colonial research and practice
Language, literature, place and context
Indigenous knowledge and literature/literacy education
Language and literature curricula and student agency
Languages, literacies, and technologies
Literacy theories and language, literature and literacy education
(Critical) language awareness
Teaching and learning practices in and beyond school
Teacher education and professional learning
Languages, literacies, education and activism
Plurilingualism and multilingualism
Social justice in education and empowering students
Schooling in real environments, the local, the rural, the urban
“Powerful knowledges” and language and literature education
Means and Methods: How Do We Research Our Complex Field?
Submissions Information
Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available here: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/etpc
Author guidelines must be strictly followed. Please see here: Emerald Publishing Author Guidelines
Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to ““Please select the issue you are submitting to”.
Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.
Key Deadlines
Opening date for manuscript submission: 22 June 2026
Closing date for manuscript submission: 1 November 2026
Guest Editors
Andy Goodwyn, Emeritus Professor, University of Reading
Audrey Lucero, Professor, University of Oregon
Melissa Schieble, Professor, Hunter College of City University of New York
Amy Vetter, Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
