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.

Please Note: The deadline for nominees to submit their completed applications, letters of recommendations, and portfolio is due by April 15, 2024.

Click here to submit your nominee!

Applications

Each TWBI/DL school district is invited to submit one nominee or two co-teacher nominees to become the 2024 Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Teacher/s of the Year. Remember that we are searching for teachers that 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. Once you have selected your nominee(s), they must fill out the application form including their letters of recommendation and portfolio.

Criteria for the Review of Applications

Each nominee must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for this award:

1. Member of local/state bilingual association.
2. Outstanding contributions to Two-Way & Dual Language education.
3. Advocacy for TWBI/DL proven practices and research
4. Currently TWBI/DL classroom teacher (TK-K-12)
5. Bilingual teacher credentials or certification
6. Philosophy that reflects cultural competence and high expectations
7. Minimum of five years TWBI/Dl teaching experience
8. Recommendation by principal or supervisor
9. Submission of complete portfolio

Portfolio Requirements

One complete portfolio (maximum of 10 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 April 15, 2024 at 5:00pm Pacific Time

The 2024 ATDLE Teacher of the Year will be awarded the following:

• Complimentary registration to the Annual National Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Conference in June 2024
• $1000 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)

1. Official nomination form signed by Principal/Supervisor
2. Biographical resume (2 pages maximum)
3. 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. (5 pages maximum)
4. Evidence of community service to school/community (1 page max)
5. 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? (1 page maximum)
6. Letter of support/recommendation from your most recent supervisor
7. 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.