ICTFL Paul T Griffith Teacher of the Year Award
Congratulations to Esmeralda Mora
the 2024 ICTFL Paul T. Griffith Teacher of the Year
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Award description
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Per the ACTFL website, “The proposal to establish a national award for Foreign Language Teacher of the Year is intended to elevate the status of our professional at the state, regional, and national levels by creating opportunities for recognizing the most accomplished members of our profession. First and foremost, this proposal is designed to involve all of our state, regional and national organizations in promoting our profession. Second, it is intended to create as many media opportunities as possible to increase the visibility of the importance of learning languages and cultures to the general public.” Learn more about the ACTFL TOY program here. |
The Illinois awardee becomes a regional candidate for the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (CSCTFL) Teacher of the Year Award. The CSCTFL recipient is one of the five national ACTFL Finalists who has the opportunity to be named the ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year.
Past ICTFL Paul T Griffith Award recipients have been honored by the Governor, recognized at ISBE events, have represented ICTFL in Washington D.C. at Language Advocacy Day and have gone on to be named both CSCTFL Regional and ACTFL National awardees.
Past ICTFL Paul T Griffith Award recipients have been honored by the Governor, recognized at ISBE events, have represented ICTFL in Washington D.C. at Language Advocacy Day and have gone on to be named both CSCTFL Regional and ACTFL National awardees.
process and timeline
The National Language Teacher of the Year Award Program
The ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year Award is intended to elevate the status and the public profile of the language profession at the state, regional, and national levels by creating opportunities to recognize accomplished members of our profession. First and foremost, this process is designed to involve all of our state, regional, and national organizations in promoting the language teaching profession. Second, it is intended to create as many media opportunities as possible to increase the visibility and importance of language learning with the media, policymakers, and the general public. The award also recognizes best practices and excellence in the teaching and learning of languages.
State, Regional, and National Program Phases
The general procedures for the state, regional, and national phases of the award program are available on the ACTFL website.
Generally, the Teacher of the Year Award winners from each state association are forwarded as state nominees for the Central States Teacher of the Year Award. The Central States Teacher of the Year automatically becomes the region’s nominee for the ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year Award.
Generally, the Teacher of the Year Award winners from each state association are forwarded as state nominees for the Central States Teacher of the Year Award. The Central States Teacher of the Year automatically becomes the region’s nominee for the ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year Award.
Procedures for Selecting the Central States Teacher of the Year
From the nominee/candidate perspective, the process consists of two steps: (1) submitting their regional portfolio, and (2) being interviewed by the ICTFL Awards Committee virtually prior to the fall conference.
Nomination
Early August, nomination forms become available on the ICTFL website. Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by someone else. Candidates and their nominees will need to coordinate the submission of materials. Complete applications must be submitted by September 20, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please email the ICTFL Awards Chairs, Emily Brown and Ellen Ericson, at [email protected] with questions.
Submission of Portfolio
Nominees for the ICTFL Teacher of the Year Award should assemble the following items:
These materials should be assembled and converted to a single PDF file with numbered pages bearing the name of the candidate. The deadline for submission is September 20, 2024.
Important note: The candidate selected as the ICTFL Teacher of the Year must also submit the above-listed portfolio materials (in addition to a few others) to complete their application for the Central States Teacher of the Year.
- A up to 500-word first-person statement on the value of learning languages and developing cultural competence for all learners.
- A curriculum vitae of no more than 5 pages. Attendance at past ICTFL and/or participation on ICTFL committees should be noted here.
- A one-page letter of recommendation from a supervisor
- A one-page letter of recommendation from a current student
- A one-page letter of recommendation from a current or former parent or student
- Professional involvement documentation examples (not to exceed 4 pages), including but not limited to certificates, newspaper articles, letters, links to videos, that
- demonstrate professional growth and involvement in professional organizations;
- provide evidence of a variety of leadership experiences, including advocacy.
- Reflection on professional involvement documentation (not to exceed 3 pages) that
- describes and analyzes the significance and impact on you as a teacher;
- describes and analyzes the significance and impact on student learning and on language learning in your school and/or district or state.
- A high-resolution photograph in electronic format (.jpg or .png)
These materials should be assembled and converted to a single PDF file with numbered pages bearing the name of the candidate. The deadline for submission is September 20, 2024.
Important note: The candidate selected as the ICTFL Teacher of the Year must also submit the above-listed portfolio materials (in addition to a few others) to complete their application for the Central States Teacher of the Year.
Interview Preceding ICTFL Conference
All nominees who have submitted complete portfolios by the deadline will receive invitations to virtual finalist interviews to be scheduled on October 1, 2024 prior to the fall conference. Finalists must participate in the interview and attend the conference and Awards Presentation to be eligible to move forward as the ICTFL Teacher of the Year.
During the interview, candidates will be asked to:
Please note: The portfolio and interview rubric can be found here.
During the interview, candidates will be asked to:
- Answer 5-6 questions addressing topics such as culture/standards in the classroom, professional involvement, leadership experience, and/or challenges and successes in world language teaching
- Give the first 2 minutes of a mock speech or mock press conference to a civic group on an issue of your choice regarding current interest in national world language policy. It is a good idea to have rehearsed (though not necessarily memorized) your speech before your interview.
Please note: The portfolio and interview rubric can be found here.
Timeline
August: Dissemination of nomination forms and portfolio requirements
September 20: Deadline to submit nominations
October : State selection of Teacher of Year
January 1 : Deadline for entries to Central States Awards Committee
March : Awards Ceremony at Central States Conference (Introduction of State Teacher of the Year recipients & Announcement of CSCTFL Regional Teacher of the Year)
September 20: Deadline to submit nominations
October : State selection of Teacher of Year
January 1 : Deadline for entries to Central States Awards Committee
March : Awards Ceremony at Central States Conference (Introduction of State Teacher of the Year recipients & Announcement of CSCTFL Regional Teacher of the Year)
Duties of State Teacher of the Year
*Present a session at the following year’s ICTFL Conference on a topic of importance, to provide reflection on their experiences, or provide guidance on how to submit a Teacher of the Year portfolio.
*Attend the subsequent year's award ceremony to present the next Teacher of the Year award.
*Attend the March CSCTFL conference, representing Illinois in the Regional Teacher of the Year competition.
*May make themself available to attend, address or present at local conferences throughout the state.
*May participate in any number of publicity/advocacy events to create as many media opportunities as possible to increase the visibility of the importance of learning languages and cultures to the general public. This would include but is not limited to JNCL-NCLIS advocacy days.
*Mentor the next ICTFL Teacher of the Year through the Central States awards procedure.
*Attend the subsequent year's award ceremony to present the next Teacher of the Year award.
*Attend the March CSCTFL conference, representing Illinois in the Regional Teacher of the Year competition.
*May make themself available to attend, address or present at local conferences throughout the state.
*May participate in any number of publicity/advocacy events to create as many media opportunities as possible to increase the visibility of the importance of learning languages and cultures to the general public. This would include but is not limited to JNCL-NCLIS advocacy days.
*Mentor the next ICTFL Teacher of the Year through the Central States awards procedure.
past recipients
2023 - Erinn Vincent, Lincolnshire Prairie View District - 2024 CSCTFL Finalist
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Erinn Vincent, Spanish teacher at Lincolnshire Prairie View School District 103 was awarded the honor of Illinois World Language Teacher of the Year. Erinn represented Illinois in the Regional Foreign Language Teacher of the Year selection process in March 2024 at the Central States Conference. She currently serves as ICTFL’s Membership Chair.
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2022 - Heidi Lechner, Libertyville High School - 2023 CSCTFL Finalist
Heidi Lechner, German teacher at Libertyville High School, Libertyville, Il. was awarded the honor of Illinois World Language Teacher of the Year. Heidi will represent Illinois in the Regional Foreign Language Teacher of the Year selection process in March 2023 at the Central States Conference. She will also serve as ICTFL 2023-2024 2nd Vice President. |
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Heidi joined the ICTFL Delegation to JNCL-NCLIS 2023 Language Advocacy Days as part of her role as our ICTFL Teacher of the Year.
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2021 ICTFL Paul T. Griffith Teacher of the Year Michael Ayala, John Hersey High School -- 2022 CSCTFL Finalist
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Michael Ayala met virtually for 2021 Illinois Delegate to Language Advocacy Day with U.S. House Representative Rep. Jan Schakowsky.
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2020 ICTFL Paul T. Griffith Teacher of the Year Ellen Ericson, Mahomet-Seymour High School -- 2021 CSCTFL Finalist
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Ellen Ericson was a virtual 2021 Illinois Delegate to Language Advocacy Day - pictured with Senator Duckworth's aides.
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2019 ICTFL Paul T. Griffith Teacher of the Year Jane Swisher (NBCT), Deer Park Middle School -- 2020 CSCTFL Finalist
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Awardee Jane Swisher with Teacher of the Year finalist, Melisa Lopez (left)
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Jane Swisher is one of Illinois' delegates to Language Advocacy Day 2020, DC
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2018 ICTFL Paul T. Griffith Teacher of the Year Erin K. Gibbons, Barrington HS -- 2019 CSCTFL Finalist
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2016 - Ryan Rockaitis, Deerfield High School - 2017 CSCTFL Finalist - 2017 ICTFL Delegate "Language Advocacy Day"
2015 - Martha Behlow, Geneva Community High School - 2016 CSCTFL Finalist
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2016 Central States Conference Finalists
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2014 - Kathleen Priceman, Abraham Lincoln School - 2015 CSCTFL Finalist
2013 - Carrie Toth, Carlyle High School - 2014 CSCTFL Teacher of the Year - 2015 ACTFL Finalist
2012 - Linda Egnatz, Lincoln-Way North HS - 2013 CSCTFL Teacher of the Year - 2014 ACTFL Language Teacher of the Year
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2007 - Samantha Godden-Chmielowicz, Carl Schurz HS - 2008 CSCTFL Teacher of the Year - 2009 ACTFL Finalist
2004 - John Stark, Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy
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John retired from IMSA in 2014 after 26 years of service. "Herr Stark knew how to keep classes light-hearted and fun, while teaching with (what I now recognize as) a communicative approach, so even after 15 years I can still dazzle my students by telling them 'I have a cat' in German (even though I don't)." - Cate Baldwin, former student, ICTFL Webmaster |