ACTFL has announced the 2021 recipients of the ACTFL Professional Awards, an annual program that recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of language education.

These awards were presented during an online ceremony Friday, November 19, to close the first day of the ACTFL 2021 Virtual Convention. All award presentations remain accessible to the public for on-demand viewing via a dedicated playlist on ACTFL's YouTube channel.

The 2021 virtual ceremony opened with remarks by ACTFL Past President Bridget Yaden, who emphasized the important role that both educators and language advocates play in empowering students, communities, and the language education field: “The individuals we honor today are helping to shape the future of our profession. […] They nurture and guide a diverse pool of learners and serve as leaders in our communities. And they encourage support for language learners, their families, and educators of all languages, at all levels.”

Jill Landes-Lee

L2TReC is proud to celebrate with Jill Landes-Lee, State Director of the Bridge Program, as the recipient of the ACTFL Leo Benardo Award for Innovation in K-12 Language Education.

Shin Chi Fame Kao

We are also proud to celebrate with Shin Chi Fame Kao, Director of Curriculum & Coordinator of the Utah Chinese Bridge Program, for being selected by CLASS (Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools) as the 2021 Outstanding Chinese Teacher. She was publicly recognized during the CLASS virtual awards ceremony that was held in conjunction with the ACTFL award ceremony on Friday, November 19, 2021.

 

For the full ACTFL announcement: https://www.actfl.org/resources/press-releases/actfl-celebrates-excellence-language-education