Celebrating Language Excellence: 2026 ACTFL National Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced

2026 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) has unveiled its finalists for the distinguished title of National Language Teacher of the Year for 2026. The announcement comes as part of an initiative to honor exceptional language educators across the United States. The winners in this esteemed category will be revealed during the Opening General Session at the forthcoming ACTFL Convention and World Languages Expo, set to take place in New Orleans on November 21, 2025.

The five educators selected represent various regions from across the nation, reflecting the diverse landscape of language instruction. They are as follows:

1. Rachel Benson, serving at Pleasant Lea Middle School and Summit Lakes Middle School in Lee's Summit, Missouri; recognized by the Central States Languages For All (Central States).
2. Nathan Campbell, from Manheim Central High School in Manheim, Pennsylvania, honored by the Northeastern Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (NECTFL).
3. Dan Call, teaching at Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma, Washington, recognized by the Pacific Northwest Council for Languages (PNCFL).
4. Stephanie Bellot-Donaldson, from Hawthorne Elementary School in Louisville, Kentucky, representing the Southern Conference on Language Teaching (SCOLT).
5. Ngan-Ha Ta, hailing from 'Iolani School in Honolulu, Hawaii, recognized by the Southwest Conference on Language Teaching (SWCOLT).

This annual award not only honors the accomplishments of teachers but also aims to elevate the status of language educators at all levels—from local to national. The recipient of the Language Teacher of the Year title will assume a pivotal role as a national advocate for the language teaching profession, highlighting the critical importance of language and cultural education to society as a whole.

ACTFL has been at the forefront of promoting effective language instruction since its establishment in 1967. It provides a wide array of resources, professional development, and advocacy for language educators and institutions dedicated to the advancement of language learning and teaching practices. The organization emphasizes the significance of language skills in fostering understanding among diverse cultures and facilitating global communication.

As language learning takes on increasing importance in our interconnected world, the spotlight on educators who inspire and shape the minds of students becomes ever more crucial. The finalists for this prestigious award embody a commitment to excellence in language teaching and provide a model for peers nationwide.

For more details on the ACTFL Teacher of the Year Program and the invaluable work ACTFL continues to do for language educators, visit their official website.

This year's announcement serves as a reminder of the impactful role educators play in bridging linguistic and cultural gaps, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. As we anticipate the announcement of the 2026 National Language Teacher of the Year, we celebrate all language educators and their tireless efforts to make language learning accessible and relevant for students in an increasingly multilingual world.