Published 2025-01-28
Copyright (c) 2025 Werona Król-Gierat, Isaak Papadopouloa Papadopoulos (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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Abstract
This special issue on Teaching Young Language Learners celebrates the extraordinary contributions of Dr. Vera Savić, whose illustrious career has been marked by her pioneering research, innovative pedagogy, and deep commitment to nurturing multilingualism in young learners. Dr. Savić, an internationally recognized scholar in applied linguistics and early foreign language education, has profoundly shaped the field through her extensive research, impactful publications, and visionary teaching methodologies. Dr. Savić’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Belgrade, followed by a Master’s degree focusing on literary translation. Her doctoral research, completed at the University of Novi Sad, addressed reading difficulties in English as a foreign language, laying the groundwork for her lifelong exploration of language learning among young learners. Over her decades-long career, Dr. Savić served as Assistant Professor of English Language and Applied Linguistics at the University of Kragujevac, where she led courses spanning English for Academic Purposes, TEYL methodologies, and intercultural language teaching at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Her extensive portfolio of academic work includes authoring and editing landmark books, such as The 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners: Young Learners in a Multilingual World and Teaching Young Language Learners in South Eastern Europe: A Multidimensional Research on Policy and Pedagogical Practices. Dr. Savić has published prolifically in top-tier journals, addressing themes such as early literacy, translanguaging, inclusive education, and assessment in multilingual classrooms. She has also been a prominent figure in international projects, conferences, and teacher training initiatives, earning accolades and grants from global institutions like TESOL International Association and Erasmus+. Dr. Savić’s research agenda reflects a forward-looking commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities of teaching in increasingly diverse and digital classrooms. Her innovative work on theme-based instruction, graphic novels for intercultural education, and multimodal materials highlights her passion for engaging young learners through creativity and inclusivity. She has consistently advocated for integrating global citizenship and digital competence into early language education, ensuring young learners are not only linguistically but also socially and culturally prepared for the interconnected world. This special issue is a testament to Dr. Savić’s enduring legacy. Each paper included here echoes her multifaceted contributions to the field, exploring themes she championed throughout her career.