Early August, nomination information becomes available on the OWLA 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 February 1, 2027. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please email the OWLA Awards Chair, 

Nominees for the OWLA Teacher of the Year Award should assemble the following items:

1. A up to 500-word first-person statement on the value of learning languages and developing cultural competence for all learners. 

2. A curriculum vitae of no more than 5 pages. Attendance at past OWLA and/or participation on OWLA committees should be noted here. 

3. A one-page letter of recommendation from a supervisor 

4. A one-page letter of recommendation from a current student 

5. A one-page letter of recommendation from a current or former parent or student 

6. Professional involvement documentation examples (not to exceed 4 pages), including but not limited to certificates, newspaper articles, letters, links to videos, that 

   1. ​demonstrate professional growth and involvement in professional organizations; 

   2. provide evidence of a variety of leadership experiences, including advocacy. ​

7. Reflection on professional involvement documentation (not to exceed 3 pages) that 

   1. ​describes and analyzes the significance and impact on you as a teacher; 

   2. describes and analyzes the significance and impact on student learning and on language learning in your school and/or district or state. 

8. 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 February 1, 2027. Please email the OWLA Awards Chair, Jane Sevacko.

Important note: The candidate selected as the OWLA 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. The candidate selected will also work with a team of individuals to help coach them through the process. You will not be alone in this! 

Interview preceding OWLA Conference

All nominees who have submitted complete portfolios by the deadline will receive invitations to finalist interviews to be scheduled starting on ___________  prior to (or on) the October OWLA Board Meeting. The interviews can be done virtually or in person. Finalists must participate in the interview to be eligible to move forward as the OWLA Teacher of the Year.

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.

ToY Rubric

August: Dissemination of nomination information and portfolio requirements

February 1: Deadline to submit nominations and portfolio

April: State selection of Teacher of Year

May 27:  Deadline for entries to Central States Awards Committee

October: Awards Ceremony at OWLA conference

2026 Gary DiBianca

2025 Maria Herman

2018 Lee Bishop

2017 Angela Garritano