The ACTFL Awards Program recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of language education. Awards and nomination procedures are announced and candidates' names are solicited through announcements in ACTFL publications and through letters to ACTFL member organizations each year. The results of the selections are announced at the ACTFL Annual Meeting and in the Winter issue of The Language Educator.
ACTFL Professional Awards
Awards categories include:
ACTFL Edwin Cudecki Award for Support for Language Education
This award has recognized individuals who have developed ties between international business, language education, and international studies. It honors distinguished policymakers, public servants, business leaders, and other education advocates.
ACTFL Global Engagement Initiative Award
Does your language program provide outstanding community-engaged learning experiences within the world languages curriculum which take students beyond tourism-based travel? This award recognizes up to three globally engaged programs.
ACTFL Leo Benardo Award for Innovation in K-12 Language Education
This award is established in Leo Benardo’s honor to recognize significant contributions that reflect innovative instructional practice and programs by individuals who teach or supervise in urban, suburban or rural districts that teach a majority of underserved students.
ACTFL-NFMLTA/MLJ Emma Marie Birkmaier Award for Doctoral Dissertation Research in World Language Education
Did you write/complete a dissertation in 2022 or 2023 that dealt with language learning or teaching, teacher preparation, curriculum development, evaluation, or any field directly related to second or world language education?
ACTFL/IALLT Award for Excellence in World Language Instruction Using Technology (K-12)
Have you integrated the use of technology into world language courses? Have at least 5 years of classroom experience in K-12? Evidence should include objectives and specific strategies using technology that contribute to the attainment of the course goals within the framework of the World Readiness Standards.
ACTFL/Cengage/IALLT Postsecondary Award for Excellence in World Language Instruction Using Technology
Have you integrated the use of technology into world language courses? Have at least 5 years of classroom experience in Postsecondary? Evidence should include objectives and specific strategies using technology that contribute to the attainment of the course goals within the framework of the World Readiness Standards.
ACTFL-NYSAFLT Anthony Papalia Award for Excellence in Teacher Education
Are you a language educator who has demonstrated excellence in the preparation and continuing education of teachers for the profession? Provide evidence in the following areas: teaching, research, service, educating current and future professionals, and recognition.
ACTFL-NFMLTA/MLJ Paul Pimsleur Award for Research in World Language Education
Are you an author of an outstanding research article with the potential to impact language learning or teaching in world language or second language education field published in 2022? This award requires nomination by the editor of a North American scholarly journal.
ACTFL Florence Steiner Award for Leadership in World Language Education (K-12)
Have you demonstrated instructional leadership and service in the K-12 community? Evidence should include: service to the school, community, and state, as well as to state, regional, and national professional organizations.
ACTFL Wilga Rivers Award for Leadership in World Language Education (Postsecondary)
Have you demonstrated instructional leadership and service in the Postsecondary community? Evidence should include: service to the school, community, and state, as well as to state, regional, and national professional organizations.
ACTFL Melba D. Woodruff Award for Exemplary Elementary World Language Program
Is your Elementary World Language Program exemplary? Has it been in place for at least 5 years, with curriculum aligned with the “5 Cs” of the national standards? Are you able to provide evidence of highly qualified teachers advocating for early language learning and student success?
ACTFL Nelson Brooks Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Culture
Are you a language educator who has contributed significantly to the teaching of culture in the world language classroom? Can you provide evidence of the impact over an extended period of time and have influenced large numbers of individuals?
Please contact ACTFL at (703) 894-2900 or awards@actfl.org if you have questions or need more information.