ACTFL Honors Language Education Achievements
ACTFL is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 ACTFL Professional Awards, a highly esteemed program dedicated to recognizing remarkable contributions to language education. The awards, an annual highlight for educators in the field, celebrate the innovation, commitment, and achievements of individuals dedicated to enhancing language learning.
Key Awards and Honorees
During the upcoming awards ceremony, details will be shared regarding the talented recipients. Among those displayed, the Leo Benardo Award for Innovation in K-12 Language Education will be presented to J. Ryan Allen from the Delmar School District in Delaware.
Notable Contributions in Education
One of the standout awards is the NFMLTA/MLJ Emma Marie Birkmaier Award for Doctoral Dissertation Research in World Language Education. This year, Elizabeth Dubberly from the University of Georgia is being recognized for her doctoral dissertation entitled 'Creando con Ciencia: Creative Entanglements in the DLI Spanish Science Classroom', illustrating a compelling push towards integrating science with language teaching.
Recognition of Cultural Excellence
The Nelson Brooks Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Culture is awarded to Carl Blyth from the University of Texas at Austin for his significant contributions that promote cultural understanding through language instruction. Such awards reflect the commitment of teachers to provide a richer educational experience for their students.
Commitment to Equity and Sustainability
An emerging theme at ACTFL is the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the language-learning environment. The Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Classroom is being awarded to Chantal Esquivias Argelaguet from Olympus High School in Utah, showcasing exemplary practices that promote an inclusive learning atmosphere.
Empowering Future Generations
The NYSAFLT Anthony Papalia Award for Excellence in Teacher Education honors Teresa Bell from Brigham Young University, highlighting the vital role of teacher preparation in nurturing future language educators and ensuring quality language education.
Addressing Modern Educational Needs
The ACTFL Awards highlight how technology is seamlessly integrated into language instruction. With technology evolving, awards for Excellence in World Language Instruction Using Technology are presented to both Yeider Guerra from Rock Hill High School in South Carolina and Stacey Weber-Fève from Iowa State University, acknowledging their innovative use of digital tools to enhance learning outcomes.
Community and Collaboration
Collaboration between educators is further exemplified through awards like the Klett Award for Sustainable Development Education in the World Language Classroom, awarded to Shaoyuen Carol Chen-Lin and Yan Liu, illustrating the importance of sustainable practices within education and the shared vision of global citizenship through language learning.
Anticipation for the Ceremony
The awards ceremony is set to occur, with engaging remarks from ACTFL Past-President L.J. Randolph, Jr. Additionally, this event will commemorate several initiatives, such as the acknowledgment of the 2025 Research Priorities Grants recipients and the honored Super Reviewers of Foreign Language Annals. Highlighting the dedication of educators and the ongoing commitment to quality language learning is crucial as we gather to celebrate.
Looking Ahead
A notable update includes the reopening of nominations for the ACTFL Professional Awards program in Spring 2026. This offers language educators an opportunity to shine, fostering a culture of recognition and inspiration in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ACTFL Professional Awards?
The ACTFL Professional Awards recognize outstanding contributions to language education, celebrating the efforts of innovative educators across various categories.
When and where will the awards ceremony take place?
The awards ceremony is part of the ACTFL Annual Convention & World Languages Expo, held in New Orleans.
Who received the Leo Benardo Award this year?
This prestigious award was presented to J. Ryan Allen from the Delmar School District in Delaware for his remarkable innovations in K-12 language education.
How can educators get nominated for future awards?
Nominations for the ACTFL Professional Awards will reopen in Spring 2026, allowing educators to submit their qualifications or self-nominate.
What is the impact of these awards on language education?
The ACTFL awards inspire educators, elevate teaching standards, and promote innovative practices that benefit language learners nationwide.
