#USA #ACTFL #Language Education #New Orleans #2025 Awards

ACTFL Celebrates Achievements in Language Education

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) is excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 ACTFL Professional Awards, set to honor outstanding achievements in the field of language education. This annual initiative underscores the importance of dedicated work in nurturing language skills and teaching methodologies, fostering not just individual growth but also promoting an inclusive, diverse environment within the educational system.

This year's awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in New Orleans on November 21, as part of the 2025 ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo, a prominent event gathering language educators from across the nation. This year’s professional awards will recognize exceptional contributions in various categories, emphasizing innovation, research, cultural excellence, and the advancement of diversity and inclusion in language education.

Award Recipients

Among this year’s distinguished recipients, the Leo Benardo Award for Innovation in K-12 Language Education will be presented to J. Ryan Allen from Delmar School District in Delaware. This award highlights innovative practices that enhance foreign language teaching and learning in primary and secondary education.

The NFMLTA/MLJ Emma Marie Birkmaier Award for Doctoral Dissertation Research will be awarded to Elizabeth Dubberly, who is affiliated with both the University of Georgia and the Clarke County School District. Her dissertation, titled "Creando con Ciencia: Creative Entanglements in the DLI Spanish Science Classroom," explores the intersection of language education and scientific inquiry, aiming to make language learning more relevant and engaging for students.

The Nelson Brooks Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Culture is going to Carl Blyth from the University of Texas at Austin, acknowledging his significant impact in embedding cultural education within language studies. Also notable is the Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Classroom, which is offered to Chantal Esquivias Argelaguet of Olympus High School in Utah, showcasing effective practices in creating equitable educational environments for all learners.

Further notable awards include the Klett Award for Sustainable Development Education given to multiple recipients, including Shaoyuen Carol Chen-Lin from Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut and Yan Liu from Duke University in North Carolina. This award recognizes efforts to integrate sustainability into world language classrooms, preparing students with a global perspective on pressing environmental issues.

In addition, the NYSAFLT Anthony Papalia Award for Excellence in Teacher Education will be conferred upon Teresa Bell from Brigham Young University in Utah, celebrating her exemplary contributions to teacher training in foreign language education.

Ceremony Highlights

The awards ceremony will commence with remarks from L.J. Randolph, Jr., the Past-President of ACTFL, who will share insights into the evolving landscape of language education. The ceremony will also honor recipients of the Public Service Award for World Language and Cultural Advocacy, as well as announce the 2025 Research Priorities Grants recipients and Foreign Language Annals Super Reviewers. The event will culminate with inspiring speeches from the 2025 National Language Teacher of the Year, Kei Tsukamaki.

ACTFL’s commitment to excellence in language education has remained steadfast since its establishment in 1967. By recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of its members through these awards, ACTFL fosters a community of educators dedicated to enriching language learning experiences for students across the globe.

The 2025 ACTFL Professional Awards program continues to thrive, and nominations—including self-nominations—will reopen in the Spring of 2026, allowing for new achievements to be celebrated in the future. For more information about the ACTFL and the awards program, visit ACTFL's official website.