2026 SCOLT Awards

2026 Awards Recipients

Take Flight with Languages

2025 SCOLT TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Stephanie Bellot-Donaldson

Spanish Literacy Teacher, Hawthorne Elementary, Louisville, KY

Stephanie Bellot-Donaldson has been teaching language learners for 12 years. She began her career teaching first grade on the southwest side of Chicago, primarily working with newcomers learning to read in English. In 2017, she returned to Kentucky, where she taught third grade for three years across all subject areas, supporting Spanish- speaking students and implementing PSP plans for Tier 1 instruction. In 2020, she transitioned to a new role and over the last 6 years, has been teaching Spanish literacy to all third-grade students at Hawthorne Elementary, a dual language school in Louisville, KY. She holds a BA in Corporate Communication and Political Science from the University of Kentucky, as well as a MAT with a bilingual education endorsement from Dominican University in River Forest, IL. She became a National Board Certified Teacher in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy in 2019, completed her P-12 Building Level Administrator Licensure Program from IUS in 2022, and became a LETRS Dyslexia Certified Teacher in 2024. She is deeply passionate about advocating for Language learners and using policy and legal frameworks to support equitable education.

SCOLT World Languages Teacher of the Year 2025 Stephanie Bellot Donaldson, KY 2024 Bertha Delgadillo, GA 2023 Ke Peng, KY 2022 Claudia Elliott, FL 2021 Jenniffer Whyte, AL 2020 Elena Kamenetsky, KY* 2019 Lisa Worthington, Groce, NC 2018 Heidi Trude, VA 2017 Brenna Reinhart Byrd, KY 2016 Laura Roche Youngworth, KY 2015 Leni Bronstein, VA

2014 Pamela Reynolds, AR 2013 Robert Patrick, GA 2012 Thomas Soth, NC 2011 Lisa Podbilski, FL 2010 Clarissa Adams-Fletcher, GA* 2009 Linda Zins-Adams, KY 2008 Carmen Scoggins, NC 2007 Juan Carlos Morales, FL 2006 Tracy Veler Knick, FL 2005 Ken Stewart, NC* *Selected as ACTFL National Teacher of the Year

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Take Flight with Languages

2026 SCOLT Founder’s Award

DR. BOBBY HOBGOOD Director, Language Resource Center, Adjunct Instructor of French, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC As educators, we are responsible for the achievements of our students, our own professional development, and the advancement of the profession. When our energy is focused on these three key actors, we experience a healthy ecosystem where everyone - our students, ourselves, and our colleagues - all achieve growth. And sometimes, the return on our investment is greatly magnified.

I am humbled by this recognition from the Southern Conference on Language Teaching. SCOLT has afforded me many opportunities for self-growth, and in turn, opportunities to support the growth of my students and my profession. This award validates my practice of postponing personal satisfaction in order to revel in the growth of our students, our colleagues, and our profession. Mille fois merci!

2026 SCOLT LEADERSHIP AWARD

EHAB ALAFIFI

Spanish Teacher, Benedictine Military School, Savannah, GA Ehab Alafifi's leadership integrates rigorous curriculum design, cross-institutional collaboration, and innovative accessibility-focused pedagogy to expand advanced language learning opportunities for first-generation college students, students with diverse learning needs, and learners from rural and low-income communities.

He states, “It means a great deal to me that the review committee recognized my work in promoting and expanding world language education. I am deeply committed to advancing language learning and supporting students in developing global competence, and this recognition is truly motivating for me.”

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Take Flight with Languages

2026 SCOLT TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Allison Harris French Teacher, Altamont School, Birmingham, AL

Alabama

Allison Harris, is originally from Marietta, Georgia, and began learning French in middle school—just like many of her students! She earned a B.S. in K–12 French Education and an M.A. in French from the University of Alabama. Since 2013, she has taught French at the Altamont School in Birmingham, Alabama, and served as the World Languages Department Head for four years. At Altamont, Allison has the unique joy of watching students grow from their first exposure to French in 5th grade to graduating as seniors with the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Beyond the classroom, she has enjoyed taking students to France and leading the French Convention, an annual event that brings together nearly 600 students to celebrate their love of French through competitive events such as skits, songs, and writing, as well as collaborative activities including games, music, and an immersion challenge.

Allison is most passionate about showing students how languages connect them to people around the world while guiding them on their path to proficiency.

“I emphasize to my students that choosing to speak to someone in their own language, even imperfectly, communicates respect, curiosity, and empathy. It sends a powerful message: I value you, and I care enough to meet you where you are.”

Sarah Luesch

German Teacher, Buchholz High School, Gaineseville, FL

Florida

Sarah Luesch began tutoring German while in high school, which is when she first discovered a love of helping students who struggle with the language. She graduated from the University of Houston, which included studying her junior year at the Universität Siegen in Germany on a DAAD scholarship.Upon graduation, she returned to Germany to teach two semesters of Business English at the Universität Siegen and a Cambridge Conversational English course at the Volkshochschule Siegen. After working at a translation company in San Diego, she returned to teaching when the family moved to Gainesville, Florida. Since 2015, she has been teaching German levels 1-4 Honors at Buchholz High School, where she is also the sponsor of German Club and the Delta Epsilon Phi chapter. She is the 2024 FATG Teacher of the Year, 2025 Teacher of the Year for Buchholz High School, and the 2025 FFLA Teacher of the Year.

“By learning another language and culture, you also learn to appreciate your own.”

Whitney Dubrulle

French Teacher, Douglas County High School, Douglasville, GA

Georgia

Dr. Whitney Dubrulle is an IB Coordinator and French teacher with 28 years of experience, including 15 years teaching IB French SL and HL. She has taught French at all levels, from elementary school through college, including teaching English at a French college of art preparing students for BTS degrees and developing curriculum for the Georgia Virtual School. Drawn to the International Baccalaureate for its global perspective, she has focused her career on fostering intercultural competence and meaningful language use in the classroom. She has been recognized for her work with multiple honors, including the 2024 AATF Georgia Chapter French Teacher of the Year, the 2024–2025 FLAG Teacher of the Year, and the 2025 Yale Educator Award.

Her research and practice center on ecojustice literacies and innovative approaches to French instruction that empower students to engage critically and creatively with the world.

“By connecting language learning to students’ identities and experiences, I cultivate empathy, intercultural understanding, and a global mindset, skills essential for navigating an interconnected world.”

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Take Flight with Languages

2026 SCOLT TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Na Li

Chinese Instructor, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Kentucky

Na Li is currently a Chinese language instructor at Western Kentucky University.

Across a 13-year career in Chinese language education, she has taught learners of diverse ages and backgrounds, ranging from early childhood students to university undergraduates, in multiple countries. She values language and cultural learning and embeds this in her teaching to help students develop understanding, empathy, and intercultural competence. Drawing on her science background, she brings a rational and systematic approach to language instruction, connecting linguistic learning with real-world and cross-disciplinary applications. Her teaching is grounded in student-centered learning, integrating task-based instruction, a spiral learning approach, and technology-supported pedagogy to foster sustained language development. A dedicated advocate for world language education, she actively promotes language learning not only in her classrooms but also through community engagement and outreach initiatives, and regularly participates in professional conferences and workshops to contribute to innovation in language education. Named KentuckyTeacher of the Year, she is honored to represent her state at the SCOLT level.

“When linguistic ability is combined with cultural competence, learners move beyond surface-level interaction to develop empathy, critical awareness, and the capacity to engage productively across differences.”

“I emphasize to my students that choosing to speak to someone in their own language, even imperfectly, communicates respect, curiosity, and empathy. It sends a powerful message: I value you, and I care enough to meet you where you are.”

Marine Ridoux

French Immersion Middle School Science Teacher, Ecole Bilingue, New Orleans, Louisiana

Louisiana

Born & raised in France, Marine Ridoux holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry & brings a strong international perspective to education. Her professional career spans the United States & Morocco, beginning her role as a Fulbright French Teaching Assistant at a liberal arts college in Michigan & continuing with six years of science teaching in a French-curriculum school in Morocco. Trained in Educational Neuroscience, Marine integrates research-based practices into her teaching to foster meaningful learning. Since August 2022, she has taught middle school science at École Bilingue, a French immersion school in New Orleans, where she blends scientific inquiry, language development, & environmental awareness to engage and inspire students. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) at Louisiana State University Shreveport, Marine is also deeply committed to professional collaboration as a Region 1 representative for LFLTA & a co-organizer of monthly professional learning gatherings for French immersion educators. She coaches teachers at the state, national, & international levels. Guided by both scientific rigor &a deep commitment to student well-being, she is dedicated to advancing integrated, research-informed, & human-centered approaches to science and language education.

“Beyond the classroom, active engagement in professional networks is also a form of advocacy as it allows teachers to challenge monolingual norms and promote more inclusive educational practices.”

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Take Flight with Languages

2026 SCOLT TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Silvana Chavez Cox Spanish Teacher, D’Iberville High School, Biloxi, Mississippi

Kentucky

Silvana Chavez Cox is a 32-year-old Spanish teacher, proud wife to Michael Cox, and loving mom to her five-year-old son, James, who brings endless joy to her life. She moved to Biloxi, Mississippi in 2015 and has since made the Gulf Coast her home.

Mrs. Chavez Cox teaches Spanish 2 and Dual Credit Spanish 1 and 2 at D’Iberville High School. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and is currently working toward National Board Certification, driven by her passion for lifelong learning and meaningful language education.

“Learning a new language is not simply an academic requirement, but a deeply human process— one rooted in confidence, connection, and the belief that communication has the power to open doors.”

Najoua Ben Ramak

Arabic Teacher, Seventy-First High School, Fayetteville, North Carolina

North Carolina

Najoua Ben Ramak is an experienced Arabic and English teacher with over eight years of classroom experience in Morocco and the United States. She currently teaches at Seventy-First High School in North Carolina, where she focuses on creating engaging, interactive, and culturally rich learning environments. Ms Ben Ramak has presented at national and international conferences, including FLANC and the Arabic Teachers Council of the South, and has been recognized with multiple awards, including Teacher of the Year 2025 and International Spotlight Teacher of the Month. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes student-centered learning, real-world application of language skills, and fostering intercultural understanding.

“Language learning is a powerful tool for building empathy, confidence, and meaningful connections, and it plays a crucial role in preparing students to participate thoughtfully in an increasingly diverse society.”

Kelly Jones Instructor of Language & Literacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina

South Carolina

Kelly Jones is a teacher and doctoral student in the Language and Literacy program at the University of South Carolina, specializing in world language, literacy and multilingual instruction. She holds a Master of Education in Teaching from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts in German, International Studies, and K-12 Education from Baldwin Wallace University. Kelly has extensive experience teaching German and English as a Second Language at both K-12 and university levels, and has served as a curriculum writer, committee member, and international school exchange coordinator. She is recognized as the 2025 South Carolina World Language Teacher of the Year and serves on executive boards for major language teaching organizations. Kelly is a frequent presenter at international, national, and regional conferences, and is active in professional organizations such as AATG, ACTFL, AERA, LRA, NCTE, SCFLTA, and SCOLT. “By enabling direct engagement with people’s stories, ideas, and lived realities, language learning humanizes global connections, builds bridges, deepens understanding, and broadens our view of the world and the people making meaning within it.”

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Take Flight with Languages

2026 SCOLT TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Cécile Lainé French Teacher & Department Chair, The Harpeth Hall School, Nashville, TN

Tennessee

Cécile Lainé is a student-centered and equity-minded French educator specializing in Middle School and High School instruction, with experience across a wide range of educational settings, including Elementary and Adult learners. She teaches for proficiency and intercultural competence through storytelling, personalized instruction, and comprehension-based strategies.

As the author of several language-learner books and co-author of the monthly publication Le Petit Journal Francophone, she provides accessible, engaging content for learners worldwide. Beyond the classroom, Cécile is deeply committed to supporting, mentoring, and collaborating with World Language teachers, while continuing her own learning journey.

“I am a world language educator because I believe, as I did growing up in post-war Europe, that languages are not enrichment for the few, but a foundation for a more peaceful and just society. Learning languages and developing cultural competence are fundamentally about living and thriving together in community.”

Lisa Fore Spanish Teacher & Department Chair, Abingdon High School, Abingdon, Virginia

Virginia

Lisa Fore is a dedicated World Language educator and department chair at Abingdon High School in Washington County Virginia, where she leads initiatives that connect students to the world through language, culture, and global collaboration. With over three decades of teaching experience in rural Virginia, she is passionate about providing students with opportunities to explore diverse cultures and perspectives — bringing the world to them through innovative classroom practices. Lisa integrates cultural research, creative projects, and realworld communication to empower students as confident, globally minded citizens. An advocate for language education and professional growth, she actively contributes to state and regional organizations that support teacher development and global learning. Her work reflects commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of geography, have access to the tools and experiences that prepare them to thrive in an interconnected world. Lisa graduated from Emory and Henry College with a bachelor’s degree in both Spanish and mathematics and master’s degree from Virginia Tech in Education and Curriculum Development, with a focus on language acquisition. Recently, she was named by the Foreign Language Association of Virginia as the recipient of the 2025 David Cox FLAVA Excellence in Teaching K-12 Award (FLAVA's Teacher of the Year). In her free time enjoys traveling alone as well as leading student trips abroad and gardening.

“The most important lesson I hope my students learn is that every person has value, every story matters, and every opportunity is worth taking. When we take the time to listen and understand, we become more than speakers of another language—we become bridge-builders, learners for life, and citizens of the world.”

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Take Flight with Languages

2026 SCOLT TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Li-Jung Chang Chinese Teacher, Morgantown High School, Morgantown, West Virginia

West Virginia

Li-Jung Chang is an accomplished educator with extensive experience in language instruction and literacy development. She holds a Master of Reading from West Virginia University and a Master of TESOL from Salem International University, along with a Chinese Teaching Certification from National Taiwan Normal University. With a career spanning over a decade, Li Jung has taught English and Chinese in diverse educational settings, including Salem International University, West Virginia University, and multiple elementary and high schools in West Virginia. She currently serves as a World Language Teacher at Morgantown High School and University High School, where she leads innovative programs to promote Chinese language and culture. Li Jung is an active member of professional organizations such as ACTFL, CLASS, and the West Virginia Foreign Language Teachers Association, and has presented at major conferences. Her dedication to language advocacy is evident through her roles as an instructor for STARTALK Chinese Immersion Programs and coordinator for cultural events like the Morgantown Asia Society Celebration. Recognized for her excellence, Li Jung has received numerous honors, including West Virginia’s Outstanding Foreign Language Teacher (2025) and awards for outstanding classroom activities and instructional leadership. Her passion for fostering crosscultural understanding and literacy continues to inspire students and colleagues alike.

“To learn a language is to realize that one’s own way of naming the world is not the only way. As we acquire new words and understand new customs, our world grows larger. We become better neighbors, more effective colleagues, and more informed global citizens.”

2026 Bostick Award

Leidi Diaz Leidi Diaz is a Spanish teacher at East Forsyth High School in Kernersville, NC.

Priscilla Jankatt-Das Priscilla Jankatt-Das is a French teacher at Philip O. Berry Academy of Technology in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Take Flight with Languages

2026 Ken Stewart Future Language Educator Scholarship

Sierra Glenn Mauldin High School, Mauldin, SC

SCOLT is grateful to all of these partners for providing travel scholarship opportunities for teachers. See www.scolt.org/awards-and-scholarships for more information.

Michele Delange, French Teacher Asheville High School, Asheville, North Carolina Leandra Rodriguez, Spanish Teacher East Coweta Middle School, Senoia, Georgia Sarah Luesch, German Teacher Buchholz High School, Gainesville, FL Deon Garner, Sr., Spanish Teacher Hampton High School, Newport News, VA

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Take Flight with Languages

2026 Vista Higher Learning Future Language Educator Scholarship

Charles Hazelwood Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA Modern Language & Culture with German Teacher Certification

Maria Acosta College of Charleson, Charleston, SC French & Francophone Studies, Foreign Language Education SCOLT is grateful to Ken Stewart and Vista Higher Learning for providing these scholarships to support Future Language Educators.

See www.scolt.org/awards-and-scholarships for more information.

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