Awards Booklet 2025

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2025 Awards recipients

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2024

SCOLT TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Bertha Delgadillo Spanish Teacher, Woodville-Tompkins High School, Savannah, GA

Bertha Delgadillo, originally from Tampico, Mexico, arrived in the U.S. at 11 facing immigration challenges.

Inspired by teachers who saw her through a lens of empathy and supported her dreams, she gained the strength to overcome many obstacles to become a Spanish language teacher in 2006. However, it was not until 2013 that she could use her degree. Since then, she has dedicated herself to fostering a love for the Spanish language and culture and a lifelong and independent learning spirit among her students. In an effort to support the dreams of her students as her teachers once did, Bertha actively secures representation, community engagement, service learning and real-world opportunities so that her learners can experience success in the language with the Spanish-speaking community around them. As other talented teachers have supported her, she enjoys serving the language-teaching community by organizing and providing professional development opportunities for her district, state, and region. In 2020, Bertha became a National Board Certified Teacher, and since then, she has been coaching and motivating colleagues who are interested in the certification. She has facilitated the Georgia HS Spanish professional learning community since 2022. Presently, Bertha is pursuing a Doctorate in Education Innovation, focusing on Secondary Spanish Education because she desires to become a stronger advocate for her students and profession. Bertha was selected at the 2024 SCOLT Conference in Atlanta Georgia as the 2024 SCOLT Regional Teacher of the Year and represented the Southern Region at the 2024 ACTFL Convention in Philadelphia, PA.

SCOLT WORLD LANGUAGES TEACHERS OF THE YEAR 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 Roché 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 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year

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2025

SCOLT TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Jieun “Jemma” Lee Korean Teacher, Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet Middle School, Montgomery, AL With over 10 years of experience as a public school teacher in Korea and a Bachelor's Degree in English as a Second Language Education, for the past five years, Jemma Lee has been a certified world language teacher specializing in teaching Korean to K-12 students in Alabama, USA. Additionally, she works with the Alabama A l a ba m a International Education and Economic Partnership (ALIEEP), where she helps develop a Standard Korean Language curriculum. She will complete her Master's degree in Education, with a major in Curriculum Design and Technology, by May 2025.

“As a foreign language education major, I feel the pride and reward of being a pioneer in teaching my native language, Korean, to American students.”

Melinda Zeliff German Teacher, Alonso High School, Tampa, FL Melinda Zeliff is the German Teacher in the IB Program at Alonso High School and an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Melinda was born in Columbus, Ohio and was inspired to learn German by her grandmother, Rosemarie, who was from the Black Forest region of Germany. German was always one of her favorite classes in Flo r i da school and she is devoted to designing meaningful lessons and activities for her students. In addition to teaching, Melinda leads her school’s German Club and Honor Society and volunteers with Suncoast Basset Rescue to help unwanted basset hounds find forever homes.

“It is so important in the world today that people are open-minded, communicative, and conscious of others and the world language classroom is a setting where all of these come together.”

Stephanie Bellot-Donaldson Spanish Elementary Immersion Teacher, Hawthorne Elementary School, Louisville, KY

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Stephanie Bellot-Donaldson is the 2024 Kentucky World Language Association Teacher of the Year and the 2024 Kentucky NNELL Teacher of the Year. She is a first-generation American from Argentina and a Spanish Literacy teacher at Hawthorne ►

4 ◄ Elementary DLI (Louisville). In 2014, Stephanie joined Teach for America and taught on the south side of Chicago. In 2016, she earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching Bilingual Education and has been a National Board Certified Teacher in Early & Middle Childhood Literacy since 2019.

“The importance of developing language and culture competencies cannot be overstated, particularly in our globalized society where cross-cultural interactions are becoming the norm rather than the exception.”

Shay Steckler French Teacher, Metairie Park Country Day School, Metairie, LA Shay Steckler was born in New Orleans, and starting in the third grade, she knew she wanted to be a teacher.

She studied French and Elementary Education at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS and in 2006 graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She spent the lo u i s i a n a following year teaching English to elementary students in Montlouis-sur-Loire, near Tours, France as part of the TAPIF program. She returned to New Orleans where she has taught French at Metairie Park Country Day School for 18 years in both middle and high school. In 2015 she earned her Masters of Arts degree in French from the University of New Orleans, and she has presented at national conferences as well as at a local level.

“There is no better way to understand a people and their culture than through their language, and in today’s world where divisiveness and animosity seem to reign supreme, the way to peace and empathy will be through understanding.”

Colette Field French Teacher, Biloxi High School, Biloxi, MS Colette Field is a French teacher at Biloxi High School in Biloxi, Mississippi. She has two Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism and French from Kansas State University and studied abroad junior year in Chambéry, France in the late 1900s. After working in marketing and raising children, she rediscovered her passion for all things French, completed alternate route certification and is in her 11th year of mi s s i s s i p p i teaching French levels 1-4. In 2019, she was awarded a fellowship at CAVILAM-Alliance Française, Vichy. She has served as the AATFMississippi Chapter President since 2022, was a Mississippi STAR Teacher in 2024, and MFLA Teacher of the Year for 2025.

“Watching my students grow in confidence and expand their vision of what is possible remains one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”

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Emily Burrus French Teacher & World Language Department Chair, Pisgah High School, Canton, NC Emily M. Burrus is an award-winning French teacher who transforms classrooms into vibrant cultural hubs, instilling a love for languages that goes beyond the school walls.

As the World Language Department Chair at Pisgah High School, Emily has twice been named Teacher of the Year North Carolina and has received UNC World View’s prestigious Carol Tresolini Award. Emily’s passion for Francophone cultures shines through in her work, from hosting Francophone Week celebrations to adding a dash of French to school celebrations. Her collaborations with institutions like UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, and the French Embassy further her mission to advocate for global language learning.

“Embracing a new language and culture allows for introspection on our own language and culture. Meaningful human connections are formed when we engage with another culture using their language, fostering acts of diplomacy and invaluable relationships.”

Yeider Guerra Spanish Teacher & World Language Department Chair, Rock Hill High School, Rock Hill, SC Yeider Guerra is an innovative and dedicated World Language educator with over 15 years of experience teaching Spanish, English, and French across diverse educational settings. Currently serving as Spanish Teacher and World Language Department Chair at Rock Hill SOUth Carolina High School in South Carolina, Certified in Spanish and ESOL, Yeider is also a certified mentor and peer evaluator. Yeider is the founder of ipracticespanish.com, a comprehensive website offering free resources for Spanish students and teachers worldwide.

“Culturally competent students become bridges and allies to Multilingual Learners, striving to communicate and help, understanding the struggles of expression and comprehension. This empathy creates a ripple effect, fostering a more inclusive society.”

Jana Engle German Teacher, Dobyns Bennett High School, Kingsport, TN

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Jana Engle teaches German at Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport. During her twenty-two years at DBHS, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to high-quality education. Her teaching expertise spans from German 1 to AP German ►

6 ◄ Language and Culture. She goes out of her way to make sure that the students are engaged and excited about learning by incorporating film studies, journaling, guest speakers, virtual discussions and role-playing activities. Additionally, Jana leads Dobyns-Bennett's Tennessee Seal of Biliteracy program, encouraging students to achieve fluency in multiple languages, preparing them for the global workforce.

”In order to thrive in a globally connected world, it will be necessary for all learners to be aware of misunderstandings that can occur when people of different native languages and cultures communicate with one another, and there is no better way to do that than to learn to function in another language and culture.”

Lauren Paz Soldan Spanish Teacher, Annandale High School, Annandale, VA Lauren Paz Soldan is a passionate language educator with 13 years of experience in four different states and Europe. She champions a “relationships first” approach to foster belonging and creates supportive, language-rich environments. Lauren encourages students to explore their Virginia own identities and communities before engaging with diverse cultures, emphasizing marginalized voices and culturally relevant topics. In addition to teaching, she serves as department chair, collaborative team lead, and novice teacher mentor. Lauren has presented at GWATFL, FLAVA, and ACTFL conferences and has helped organize local EdCamp events.

“My primary job is as an advocate and safe space for my students. While I hope students leave my class with increased linguistic competence in Spanish, I’m most proud of the community, friendships, and cultural appreciation we develop together.”

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2025

FOUNDERS AWARD WINNER

Linda Markley

Independent Consultant, The Spirit of Teaching, Merritt Island, FL

It is with great pleasure, humility and honor that I accept this Founder’s Award for SCOLT 2025.

SCOLT has always had such a huge piece of my professional heart, and I can’t even express in words (no matter the language!) my profound gratitude. SCOLT will always be family to me!

Educator of Excellence

Dr. Christine Rinne Associate Professor, Dept. of Modern and Classical Languages and Literature, University of South Alabama

It is a tremendous honor to be nominated by the Alabama World Language Association (AWLA) for the SCOLT Educator of Excellence Award; these two organizations are vital to the support and success of our profession. At their conferences, colleagues from our region have inspired me to rethink how I approach teaching German, especially key aspects of student engagement like participation and testing.

Learning about opportunities for students at other institutions inspired me to apply for the US Department of Education’s Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program and help implement the Global Engagement Certificate for all undergraduates at the University of South Alabama. I look forward to continuing to learn from and share with colleagues.

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LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNER

Chelsea Lawrence Spanish Teacher, UMS-Wright Preparatory School

A leader is one who knows his or her strengths and leverages them at the right time to bring forth growth in a team or community. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the Southern Conference on Language Teaching (SCOLT) and state organizations like the Alabama World Languages Association (AWLA) play a crucial role in developing, empowering, connecting and advocating for teachers and world language education. As a Spanish teacher at UMS-Wright Preparatory School, I have had the blessing to engage with and follow incredible leaders within my school institution and the organizations above that have transformed me into the educator I am today. Furthermore, they have provided me the opportunities and support to develop my own leadership skills through various roles and positions - and for this I am very grateful! While I am firm in the belief that growth as a leader is endless, I am humbled to receive the 2025 SCOLT K-12 Leadership Award.

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2025

Bostick Award Winners

Angela Uribe Angela Uribe is a Spanish teacher at Parkland High School in Winston-Salem, NC.

Huan Zhan Huan Zhan is a teaching assistant at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA and plans to teach in a Chinese Immersion setting.

About DR. HERMAN BOSTICK

PREVIOUS BOSTICK AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Bostick Award grants two conference registrations each year at SCOLT. Always the enthusiastic spokesperson for language education and professionalism, Dr. Bostick, a SCOLT founder, made this award possible to help engage new world language teachers in the rewarding professional experience that is the SCOLT conference.

2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Kaleb Hyatt (GA) and Leandra Rodriguez (GA) Cayla Baker (AL) Doris Feliciano-Vega (SC) and Holly Fitterer (VA) Maria Elena Gaborov Jones (NC) and Ramiro Bautista (AL) Che King (GA) and Jessica Warner (KY) Pedro Feliciano (GA) and Sharwin Snelson (TN) Hannah Rae Joseph (AL) Josephine Bloch (NC) and Bridget Huessler (SC) Margaret Henry (MS) and Tara Goverdhan (GA) Barbara Hoover (AR) and Vanessa Shepherd (KY) Kayley Fidishun Bartlett (NC) and Jessica Garvey (AL) Dara Fickes (VA) and Sara Kolhoff (FL) Kayla Watson (TN) and Nedra Curtis (NJ) Grenedi Shamburger (LA) and Corey Evans (SC)

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2024

Student SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

SCOLT is grateful to Ken Stewart and Vista Higher Learning for providing these scholarships to support Future Language Educators. See scolt.org/awards-and-scholarships for more information.

Lucy Giordano Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, NC

Ken Stewart Future Language Educator Scholarship

Leidi Diaz Salem College, Winston-Salem, NC Spanish and Education

Vista Higher Learning Future Language Educator Scholarship

Huan Zhan Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA Language and Literacy Education

Vista Higher Learning Future Language Educator Scholarship

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2025

CULTR GRANT RECIPIENTS

Ling Liang Ling Liang is a 3rd Grade Chinese teacher at International Charter School in Atlanta, GA.

Montana Hoffman Montana Hoffman is a Spanish teacher at Walkertown High School in Walkertown, NC.

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

CIEL

Estudio Sampere

Dr. Victoria Russell, Professor of Spanish

Leandra Rodriguez, Spanish Teacher

and World Language Education

East Coweta Middle School, Senoia, GA

Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

Centro MundoLengua Justin Crowe, Spanish Teacher Loudoun High School, Loudoun, TN

Edu-Inter Elizabet Carnathan, French Teacher Decatur High School, Decatur, GA

Goethe Institut Melinda Zeliff, German Teacher Alonso High School, Tampa, FL

Latino Schools Montana Hoffman, Spanish Teacher Walkertown High School, Walkertown, NC