Kansas World Language Association

This award is designed to recognize an outstanding person in the language teaching field. The candidate must be a Kansas foreign language educator who has made major contributions to foreign language education. The award recipient receives state-wide recognition and a one-year ACTFL Membership. The awardee will provide photograph and mini-bio for press releases. KSWLA will provide a complimentary meal for one guest of the recipient at the Conference banquet.

Nomination forms are due to Past-President by June 1. Use the online nomination form for Teacher of the Year found here. For further information, contact the KSWLA Past President.

RECIPIENTS 

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2009: Paula Biggar
Spanish, Sumner Academy of Arts & Science

2008: Marilyn Bolton, Spanish and Italian, Buhler High School
2007: Sally Guillen, Spanish, Shawnee Mission South High School
2006: Wanda Tilford, German, Bishop Caroll High School
2005: Patricia Staver, Ph.D., FL Methods, Kansas State University
2004: Jenifer Banks, German, Topeka West High School
2003: Karen Tritt, Spanish, Westridge Middle School, Shawnee Mission
2002: Anke M. Wells, German, Seaman High School
2001: Jane Bodecker, Spanish, Halstead High School
2000: Diane DeNoon, coordinating teacher, Blue Valley School District
1999: Cherice Montgomery, Spanish, Southeast High School
1998: Doris VanderGiesen, French, Hutchinson High School
1997: Linda Bankes, Spanish, Abilene High School
1996: Ruth S. Campos, Spanish, Sumner Academy of Kansas City
1995: Llona Steele, French, Salina High School South
1994: Ingeborg Teasley, German, Abilene High School
1993: Connie Garcia, Ph.D., Emporia State University

One $500 scholarship is awarded each year in honor of Ermal Garinger, a long-time leader of the association and dedicated member of the profession, who touched many lives through his teaching and service at the University of Kansas.

The candidate must be an outstanding Kansas high school senior who will enroll in a foreign language class their freshman year at an accredited college or university OR a graduated ex-student who is currently a freshman and enrolled in a foreign language class in an accredited university. The candidate must be nominated by a current member of KSWLA.

At the annual KSWLA Conference, the organization will present a $500 cash scholarship to the award recipient. Complimentary meals will be provided to recipient and parents at conference luncheon.
Nomination Process: The student's teacher fills out the online nomination form (click here), and the student submits a brief written narrative, explaining why he or she desires to continue foreign language studies.

Deadline for nomination is June 1. For further information, contact the KSWLA Past President.

RECIPIENTS

2009: Casey Dye
Gardner-Edgerton High School
Gardner, KS

2008: no applicant
2007: Linzy Kirkpatrick, East High School, Wichita
2006: Timothy Haynes, Lawrence High School, Bethel College, and Baker University
2005: Jeffrey Reece, Larned High School and Fort Hays State University
2004: Adam Hamor
2003: Brandon Weckbaugh, Topeka West High School and Baker University
2002: Manasvi Ravichandar, Wichita East High School and Wichita State University
2001: Jamie Gritz, Eureka High School and Butler County Community College
2000: Tiffany Pankratz, Wichita East High School and Wichita State University
1999: Laci Franklin, Beloit High School and Fort Hays State University
1998: Anne Wallen, Smoky Valley High School and Kansas University
1997: Ben Marsh, Halstead High School and Kansas University
1996: Gina Goheen, French, Beloit High School and Kansas University
1995: Meagan Crough, German, Abilene High School and Baker University
1994: Laura Clark, Spanish, Wichita East High School and Kansas University
1993: Jennifer Kuhn, German, Topeka West High School and Kansas State University and
         Stephanie Morrell, Spanish, Beloit High School and Kansas University

The Alexander Award was established in 1998 to be awarded annually to an outstanding future Kansas foreign language teacher, a student currently enrolled in a formal teacher-training program or fulfilling his/her professional semester. It is in honor of Dr. Loren Alexander who taught FL methods and German for many years at Kansas State University.

The candidate must be a future foreign language teacher who is currently under the supervision and/or training in an accredited Kansas university. The candidate must be nominated by a professional foreign language educator who is a current member of KSWLA. The award recipient will receive a two-year membership to KSWLA and current conference registration including meals. Nominations must be sent to the Past-President by June 1. For further information, contact the KSWLA Past President.

RECIPIENTS




2009: María Elizabeth Chávez Miller
Friends University

2008: Lindsey Alexander, Friends University
2007: Joanna Lord, Friends University
2006: Daagya Dick, Friends University
2005: Courtney VanSant, Friends University
2004: Erin Douglas, Pittsburg State University
2003: Regina Winemiller, Pittsburg State University
2002: no applicant
2001: Heather Bledsoe, Pittsburg State University
2000: Ronda Montieth, University of Kansas
1999: Jodi Parsons, Pittsburg State University
1998: Amy Poos, University of Kansas

We want to help first-year teachers get a good start on their professional careers. We assist five teachers in attending the Conference, serve them supper on Friday night, and arrange a visit with the keynote speaker and KSWLA officers.

To be considered for this benefit, simply write a letter to KSWLA Past President, explaining what you believe to be the benefits of membership in a professional organization during one's career.

VIP status will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Registration costs will be covered, in addition to a stipend for driving expenses. Foreign nationals not paying taxes in the U.S. are not eligible for this grant. Send your letter to the KSWLA Past President.

RECIPIENTS

2009: Miriam Friesen, Kelly Hammond,  Mira Ristic

2008: Lindsy Cusic, Liz Gordon, Adam Hamor, Melinda Velásquez, Camille Woods
2007: Lisa Gielelman, Erin Groeteke, Jennifer Kellen, Marissa Mar, Katie Weil, Megan Woods
2006: Malorie Farrington, Michael Flenthrope, Jessica Hodges, Tara Murrish, Megan Payn, Hollie Porter
2005: Kim Anderson, Carol Furrow, Katie Holloway, Amber Kellenberger, Chelle Leininger
2004: Chris Colyer, Kerri Hoisington, Kristine Gregory, Michelle Tamburini, Ann Walker
2003: Suzanne Kohl, Julie Hughes

Two grants of $200 each are available annually to KSWLA members for innovative classroom projects. Any creative idea is worthy, except funding teacher training or travel.

The application process is simple: write a one-page proposal including:

• a goal statement;
  
• a budget; and
• a project description.

Preference will be given to proposals with clear intent related to language-learning standard implementation that will impact learners.

The grant will be awarded at the KSWLA Conference. Recipients will report on completed projects by presenting a session at the following Conference or by writing an article for the Bulletin.

Deadline for grant proposals is June 1. For further information, contact the KSWLA Past President.

RECIPIENTS

2009: Mary Smith, Gardner-Edgerton High School, "Spanish IV Storybooks"
2008: No applicant
2007: No applicant
2006: Amelia Adams, Liberal, West M.S., "Foreign Language Fair"
2006: Pat Wittry, Baldwin High School, "Lo Más TV"
2005: Merri Archibald, Spanish market stations
2004: no applicant
2003: no applicant
2002: Anke M. Wells, Seaman High School, "Soccer Fans"
2001: no applicant
2000: Tanya Farrar, Harmony Middle School, French music CD's
1999: Alice J. Russell, Wellsville High School, Video Camera
1998: Debbie Withers, Pratt High School, Puppets
1997: Penny Armstrong, Pittsburg Schools, Spanish Children's Storybooks

Intercultural Student Experiences (ISE) is pleased to make available to KSWLA a special recognition award for its membership. The ISE Language Matters Award is granted to a high school teacher through a nomination and selection process determined by KSWLA.

AWARD:  The ISE Language Matters Award shall consist of a framed award certificate and a $250 grant.

ELIGILBITY:  The applicant selected for this award shall be a high school teacher of a world language who has achieved outstanding success in getting his / her students to speak the target language through exemplary motivation and creative methods; in addition, the winner shall be a teacher who has provided authentic immersion experiences outside the classroom for students to apply their speaking skills. No prior association or experience with ISE is required of the nominee.

TO APPLY:  Submit a letter of application to the KSWLA Past President by September 30. Include specific narrative to support your qualifications with regards to the criteria described above under 'Eligibility.'