ATDLE is Looking for Exceptional TWBI/Dual
Language Classroom Teachers! Does that describe you?
Your partner teacher? One of your colleagues?
ATDLE recognizes that there are many outstanding TWBI/DLI classroom teachers in the United States. This award is designed to recognize a TWBI/DLI educator who is making significant contributions to his/her community in teaching and promoting bilingualism/bi-literacy for all children. A TWBI/DLI teacher and/or co-teacher will be honored for their excellence, dedication, and advocacy at the Annual Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Conference in June.
Deadline for nominations is February 9, 2026.
Please Note: Nominees who are selected to move forward in the process will be required to submit their completed applications, letters of recommendation, and portfolio by May 9, 2026.
Each TWBI/DL school district is invited to submit one nominee or two co-teacher nominees to become the 2026 Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Teacher/s of the Year. Remember that we are searching for teachers who understand the complexity and importance of teaching in a TWBI/Dual Language setting. Many applications have been turned away because the writer, albeit a wonderful educator, does not focus on his/her role as a teacher that promotes biliteracy for the students in his/her respective community. A committee of Two-Way/DL educators or the Board of Directors will select the honoree from the submitted applications. Nominee(s), who advance in the process must complete a portfolio.
Criteria for Nominations
Each nominee must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for this award:
Outstanding contributions to Two-Way & Dual Language education.
Advocacy for TWBI/DLI proven practices and research
Currently TWBI/DLI classroom teacher (TK-K-12)
Bilingual teacher credentials or certification
Philosophy that reflects cultural competence and high expectations
Minimum of five years TWBI/DLI teaching experience
One complete portfolio (maximum of 5 pages in PDF format) and a jpeg headshot photo of the candidate must be submitted. We will ask for a short 2-minute video with your acceptance speech if you are selected. Please be advised that items will not be returned so make a copy of your application that might be used for other local and state competitions.
Completed portfolios must be submitted by May 9, 2026 at 5:00 pm Pacific Time.
The 2026 ATDLE Teacher of the Year will be awarded the following:
Complimentary registration to the Annual National Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Conference in June 2026.
$1,000 cash award, which can be shared with your co-teacher if you apply with your colleague to support classroom activities.
CONTENTS OF YOUR PORTFOLIO
(PDF Format, 10 MB file maximum)
Letter of Support from your current Principal/Supervisor on school letterhead
Biographical resume (2 pages maximum)
Please respond to questions 1, 2, and 3 in one combined response of no more than one page total:
Statement of philosophy on TWBI/DL: What is it like to be a teacher and learner in your TWBI/DL classroom? How do you prepare, motivate and inspire students to continue to develop their first & second languages? What two key local, state or national issues having to do with Latino/other ethnicities, English Learners or TWBI education are of utmost important to you? Please include an anecdote that illustrates the power of TWBI/DL in your community.
Evidence of community service to school/community
Participation in your professional network for example, CABE, NABE, ATDLE, AMAE, etc. and ways in which you promote TWBI/ DL with your colleagues & peers in the broader community?
OPTIONAL: Two (2) additional letters of support/recommendation from colleagues, students, parents, or others
Note that to submit your portfolio you will need it in PDF format and you will need to sign in to a Google account to upload your application.
