California English Journal

With a firm commitment to equity, CATE (California Association of Teachers of English), a non-profit organization and NCTE affiliate, amplifies voices of literacy teachers across the state, promoting communication, collaboration, and ongoing professional learning; and advocates for educational justice and agency for all California students. 

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California English Journal — February 2026

Theme: Free Speech and Its Boundaries

Artist of this issue: JEROME HARSTE

California English • The quarterly journal of the California Association of Teachers of English. Why Read Books? Vol. 31, No 3 • February 2026.

Contents

ANNA J. SMALL ROSEBORO
FREEDOM TO SPEAK AND LEAD: WRITING-TO-LEARN AND STUDENT STARTERS IN LITERACY CLASSROOMS

CATE CONNECTS: WHEN BOOKS ARE CHALLENGED

CATE CREATIVE WRITING INVITATION/SHOWCASE

JUDY GAREY AND RUTH NATHAN
FREE SPEECH AND ITS BOUNDARIES: HOW DRAMA CAN HELP YOUR STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THIS PARADOX

STEVEN ZEMELMAN AND SARAH HOCHSTETLER
EVERYDAY ADVOCACY: A FRAMEWORK SUPPORTING FREEDOM OF SPEECH AS DEMOCRATIC ACTION

GLENN MORGAN
CARTOONS, CONTROVERSY AND KULEANA: HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM AND THE ETHICS OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT

JOHN R. EDLUND
FREE SPEECH IN THE CLASSROOM

ANGIE YI
MADE IN AMERICA: TEACHING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION THROUGH TOBY KEITH, JAY-Z, AND RODOLFO “CORKY” GONZALES

MARTIN BRANDT
THE PROMISE OF THE “MAYBE” PILE: CLEARING SPACE FOR UNWELCOME FREE SPEECH IN THE CLASSROOM

KELLY GALLAGHER
EXCERPT FROM THE TEACHING LIFE

Features and Columns

President’s Perspective

Editor’s Column

Call for Manuscripts

Read the issue (PDF download)

Call for Manuscripts

Next Issue: May 2026
Theme: JOYFUL LITERATURE

With so much evidence of teenage anxiety, depression, and distraction, could it be time to infuse the ELA curriculum with uplifting, “lighter” works of literature? Students have always been drawn to books that make them laugh and offer respite from a grim landscape. What stories, poems, articles have you used to lighten the mood this school year? What authors come to mind? How do these texts affect the atmosphere in your classroom?

Due Date: March 1, 2026