#United States #Kei Tsukamaki #ACTFL #Language Education #Philadelphia

Kei Tsukamaki: 2025 National Language Teacher of the Year

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) has announced Kei Tsukamaki as the National Language Teacher of the Year for 2025. This prestigious award was presented during the Opening General Session of the 2024 ACTFL Convention and World Languages Expo, held on November 22, 2024, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. The accolade is part of the Language Teacher of the Year program, which is overseen by the Language Connects Foundation (LCF), the educational wing of ACTFL.

Kei Tsukamaki, who teaches Japanese in Washington State, brings over 13 years of experience in language education. Her dedication is evidenced by her active involvement in the academic community, including serving as President of the Washington Association of Teachers of Japanese and as a Department Chair within her institution. Additionally, she plays a vital role on her district's Japanese Curriculum Writing Team, helping to shape the future of language education in her area.

Her recognition as the 2024 Pacific Northwest Council for Languages (PNCFL) Teacher of the Year and the 2023 Washington Association for Language Teaching (WAFLT) Teacher of the Year underscores her commitment to excellence in the field.

The National Language Teacher of the Year award not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also elevates the status of language teaching at various levels, from state to national. As the spokesperson for the language profession, Tsukamaki will advocate for the significance of learning languages and the cultural understanding that comes with it.

Lawrence Paska, ACTFL’s Executive Director, expressed his enthusiasm for Tsukamaki's leadership in language education. "We congratulate Kei on being named the 2025 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year. Her professional achievements reflect her hard work, passion, and deep commitment to language education. I look forward to collaborating with her in advancing our mission during her tenure," he noted.

Tsukamaki will stand alongside four other regional finalists, each representing a distinct geographic area of the U.S. They include:

• - Amanda Beck from William Henry Harrison High School in West Lafayette, IN (Central States)
• - Bertha Delgadillo from Woodville Tompkins Technical Career High School in Savannah, GA (Southern Conference on Language Teaching)
• - Sara Lee from Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ (Southwest Conference on Language Teaching)
• - Carlos Salinas from William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, PA (Northeastern Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)

ACTFL has been a leading organization for language educators since its establishment in 1967. With a membership of over 13,000 professionals, its mission is to provide vision, leadership, and support for high-quality language teaching and learning. The organization connects educators, businesses, and government agencies to foster an environment where language education can thrive.

Through its initiatives and programs like the Language Teacher of the Year, ACTFL emphasizes the critical role of language education in preparing students for successful participation in a global society. The Language Connects Foundation furthers this mission by supporting language educators and advocating for a diverse and effective teaching workforce.

Kei Tsukamaki's recognition as National Language Teacher of the Year serves not only as a personal achievement but also as a beacon of inspiration for current and future language educators. Her dedication to teaching Japanese and promoting linguistic and cultural diversity highlights the importance of language education in today’s interconnected world. As she embarks on her role as the national spokesperson, Tsukamaki will undoubtedly influence and uplift the language teaching community, ensuring that the beauty of learning languages continues to resonate across generations.