GWATFL Teacher of the Year (ToY)
Each year, GWATFL choses a teacher of the Year, who will represent the Washington DC area in the Northeast Conference in February.
In January, the NECTFL will review all state dossiers and choose a regional winner who will be announced as the Northeast Conference Teacher of the Year. This world language educator then represents NECTFL at the National Language Teacher of the Year competition at the ACTFL Conference in November.
In January, the NECTFL will review all state dossiers and choose a regional winner who will be announced as the Northeast Conference Teacher of the Year. This world language educator then represents NECTFL at the National Language Teacher of the Year competition at the ACTFL Conference in November.
We are pleased to announce Carlos Salinas as GWATFL Teacher of the Year award 2024Carlos Salinas stands out for his energy, innovative practices, passion and dedication. As French and Spanish teacher at Gonzaga College High School in Washington D.C., Mr. Salinas is a model for dedication, continuous growth, and resilience. He actively shares his expertise with the GWATFL community of Word Language Educators and strives to create a learning community in and beyond his classroom. He also serves as GWATFL MAP Advocacy Leader.
Join us in honoring Carlos Salinas at our upcoming GWATFL 2023 Fall Conference on Saturday, November 4th. Congratulations! |
Carlos Salinas Zarate is a World Language Educator with more than 10 years of experience teaching foreign languages from young to adult learners. He is currently teaching French and Spanish at Gonzaga College High School, where he is also the Coach for the Spanish Speech and Debate Team. He was also the Head Coach for the Speech and Debate team at Sacred Heart Preparatory School in Atherton, CA. Previously, he has built Modern Language curriculum and has taught different language courses to staff from Capitol Hill, Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), WMATA, and other organizations in the Greater Washington Area. Carlos is devoted to integrate ACTFL World Readiness Standards in his teaching practice, where students use the language to explore the culture of the language taught.
Carlos was recipient of a U.S. Fulbright Graduate Scholarship 2012-13 allowing him to pursue his Graduate Degree in Madrid, Spain. Prior to teaching, he was a U.S. Department of State fellow. He worked in several U.S. Embassies in Europe and Latin America, and at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. He is certified in Project Based Learning and Design Thinking.
Carlos was recipient of a U.S. Fulbright Graduate Scholarship 2012-13 allowing him to pursue his Graduate Degree in Madrid, Spain. Prior to teaching, he was a U.S. Department of State fellow. He worked in several U.S. Embassies in Europe and Latin America, and at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. He is certified in Project Based Learning and Design Thinking.
How to nominate a teacher for GWATFL Teacher of the and apply
Nominate a teacher for GWATFL Teacher of the year!
GWATFL WORLD LANGUAGES TEACHER OF THE YEAR
NOMINATION FORM
GWATFL is proud to announce the World Languages Teacher of the Year competition. The recipient will receive a gift, a personalized award, and will be recognized at a “Teacher of the Year” Celebration. The award has been developed to honor the field of language teaching. It also offers opportunities to increase the visibility of the importance of learning languages and cultures.
PROCESS OF APPLICATION:
The World Languages Teacher of the Year process begins with the submission of the requirements for Phase I. GWATFL encourages broad participation and will review sufficient evidence from candidates of their teaching accomplishments and ability to represent the language profession.
Nominee Requirements for GWATFL World Languages Teacher of the Year (Based on NECTFL and ACTFL requirements)
1. Must be a GWATFL member.
2. The recipient must be willing to meet all of the criteria and to fulfill all of the duties described throughout this document.
- Be a full-time language teacher who spends at least 50% of their time in direct teaching during the year of application with an expectation of teaching for at least two additional years.
- Cover page
- One page letter of recommendation from a supervisor
- One page letter of recommendation from a current student
- One page letter of recommendation from a current or former parent
- Curriculum vitae of no more than five pages in length
- 500-word first-person statement on the value of learning a language and developing cultural competence for all learners
- A classroom video providing a brief, clear, and concise snapshot from a unit that must include the teacher and must show teacher interacting with students in the target language that is a continuous, non-edited 20-minute segment of a lesson in the actual classroom
Submission Procedures
1. Nominees will submit the required documents as stated in the Nominee Requirements by October 1.
All materials submitted to GWATFL must be shared with connect@gwatfldc.org via Google Drive folder. Please do not mail or email your materials. Contact us for details and guidelines on sharing your portfolio.
2. The winner will be notified by October 15th and will be formally recognized at the GWATFL Fall Conference.
Here is a checklist
Download the Application Process and Submission Procedures for GWATFL Teacher of the Year:
GWATFL Teacher of the Year Application

Cover Page | |
File Size: | 31 kb |
File Type: | docx |