AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
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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, a one-year ACTFL Membership, and Conference Registration at the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (CSCTFL) for the following year. The recipient 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 submissions are due to Past-President by June 1st. Use the online nomination form for Teacher of the Year found here. For further information, contact the KSWLA Past President.
2020: Leigh Rysko, Spanish, Shawnee Mission South High School
2019: Jennifer Parga, Spanish, Wichita North High School
2018: David Shelly, Spanish, Wichita East High School
2017: Julie Sellers, Ph.D., Spanish, Benedictine College
2016: Jodi Nichols-Johnson, French, Blue Valley North High School
2015: (no nomination)
2014: Chuck Thorpe, Spanish and German, Kansas State University
2013: Kris Scheuerman, German, Shawnee Mission West HS
2011: Nora Kelting, French, Newton High School
2010: Karen Tritt, Spanish, Shawnee Mission West High School
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 Van der Giesen, 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
The KSWLA Phyllis Farrar Leadership Award is designed to recognize an individual in our state who has made outstanding contributions over time to our profession. The award was created in honor of Phyllis Farrar, who has served world language teaching both in our state and nationally as an outstanding teacher, leader in KSWLA, World Languages Consultant at the Kansas State Department of Education, active member of national and regional professional organizations, and a tireless advocate for world language teaching.
This award will be given annually, provided that there are qualified candidates. The awardee will be honored at the annual meeting and given an honorarium of $1,000 (providing KSWLA funds are available).
Nominees must meet the following criteria:
1. Professional teaching experience: must have at least 15 years of experience as a classroom world language teacher
(preK-20);
2. Contributions to the profession: must have been active in KSWLA, including experience in a leadership role
(this may include presenting or serving as a regional representative or on the Executive Board); and
3. Current status: must be currently working in Kansas in the profession or retired from a related position in Kansas.
Nomination process:
Any member of KSWLA may nominate a candidate for this award. (Nominees should not self-nominate.) The nomination must include a detailed list of the nominee’s contributions to the world language teaching profession. The nomination must also include the nominee’s resume or CV and two letters of recommendation (not from the person making the nomination). The letters may be either from other individuals in the profession or from related organizations or other stakeholders who have benefited from the nominee’s work.
Nominations must be submitted by June 15. For more information, contact the KSWLA Past President.
RECIPIENTS
2020: Laura Salmeron, Valley Center High School (retired), Newton
2019: Jerry Smartt, Ph.D., Friends University, Wichita
This award for the best conference presentation is based on evaluations from attendees of the KSWLA conference. The winner is given a stipend of $250 to present his/her session at the Central States Conference approximately 15 months later.
RECIPIENTS
2019: Karen Gipson, Lawrence Free State High School, Lawrence, KS
"Ditch the List"
2018: Marta Silva, Olathe Public Schools
"How Do I Know You are Learning ... Something? Assessing Heritage Language Students"
2017: Ashley Bell and Mike Flenthrope, Olathe Public Schools
"Using Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs)"
2016: Karen Detixhe and Carol Furrow, Wichita Public Schools
"What CAN your students DO? Lesson Planning with Can-Do Statements"
2015: Rebecca Fleming, Andover West High School
"Designing and Managing Learning Menus"
2014: Karen Tritt, Blue Valley West High School, Overland Park, KS
"Your Single Best Day"
2013: Christina Wolff de Casquino, Johnson County Community College,
"Creating a Professional Plan for Interpreting,"
2012: Chuck Thorpe, Kansas State University
“Internet Safety for Teenagers: Authentic Video 'Texts' from Argentina and Spain”
2011: Suzy Sprenkle, Wamego High School
“How to Read a Novel and Make It Fun!”
2010: Elke Lorenz, Manhattan High School
"Learning Languages with Art / Mit Kunst Deutsch Lernen"
2009: Diane DeNoon, District Language Coordinator, Blue Valley Schools
"Using Technology to Engage Students in Learning”
2008: Brett Klankey, Turner High School, and Bonnie Orozco,
Ellsworth High School, "E-Tickets Available: Get Your Passports Ready!"
2007: Karen Tritt, Shawnee Mission West High School,
"What Can I Do with 15 Minutes?"
2006: Bonnie Orozco, Ellsworth High School
"Chocolate: A Taste of History"
2005: Carol Swinney, HSPN Network,
"Distance Learning Technologies: Window to the World"
2004: Julie Hughes and Suzanne Kohl, Junction City High School
"I've Got My Own Class . . . Now What?"
2003: Evelyn Gregg, Newton High School
"Making Art Come Alive in the Spanish Classroom"
2002: Paula Biggar and Barbara Shaw, Sumner Academny of KC
"Reading Know-How"
2001: Chuck Thorpe, Kansas State University
"Casona's La Dama Del Alba for Intermediate Spanish"
2000: Douglas K. Benson, Kansas State University
"Language/Culture/Literature: An Integrated Approach"
1999: Tatiana Sildus, Kansas State University graduate student
"Video Projects for the Classroom"
1998: Luz María Alvarez, Johnson County Community College
"Hispanic Movies and Videos"
1997: Phyllis Farrar and Meredith Williams
"Teaching the Holocaust: A Scenario Linked with Content Areas"
1996: Stephany Orr, Leslie Mason and Kathy Smith, Blue Valley
Schools "FLES the Blue Valley Way" (This presentation earned "Best of Central States," which was consequently presented
at ACTFL by a new team of Chris Laren, Jeannie Shaw and Lauri Bledsoe.)
One $500 scholarship is awarded each year in honor of Ermal Garinger (1922-2010), 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 1st.
For further information, contact the KSWLA Past President.
Click here to complete the online nomination form.
2020: Alondra Aguilera, Wichita High School East, Wichita, KS and
Porter Richards,
2019: Naomi Galindo, Circle High School, Towanda, KS
2018: Zach Sterner, Wichita North High School
2017: Susan Lam, Wichita Southeast High School
2016: Molly Ptasznik, Wichita East High School and University of Kansas
2015: Kaley Powers, Andover Central High School
2014: Sarah Newstrom, Blue Valley North High School, Overland Park, KS
2013: Noah Trapp, Ellsworth High School; and
Henry Janzen, Newton High School
2012: Alma Velázquez, Shawnee Mission South High School
2010: Annelise Masters, Burlington High School
2009: Casey Dye, Gardner-Edgerton High School, Garner, KS
2008: (no nomination)
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 University of Kansas
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 (1930-2017), 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 ACTFL (at the BASIC level) and have their current KSWLA conference registration, including meals covered. Nominations must be submitted by June 1st. For further information, contact the KSWLA Past President.
Click here to complete the online Alexander Award nomination form.
2020: Hannah Schmidt, Wichita State University
2019: April Taylor, Emporia State University
2018: Brandon Davis, Washburn University
2017: Jennifer Bailey, Wichita State University
2016: Claire Schroettner, Benedictine College
2015: Mason Talbott, Wichita State University
2014: Annika Schneider, Kansas State University
2013: (no nominee)
2012: (no nominee)
2011: Elizabeth Carmen Wilson, Kansas State University
2010: Jessie Skala, Wichita State University
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 nominee)
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 and one-year KSWLA membership costs will be covered. Foreign nationals not paying taxes in the U.S. are not eligible for this grant. Send your letter to the KSWLA Past President.
RECIPIENTS
2020: Mariah Brown,; Aspen Butler, Wichita North High School; Lysette Cruz, Wichita Independent
Lower School; Esmeralda Conde, Wichita High School South; Kaitlin Patterson, Chisolm Trail MS;
Hannah Schmidt, Wichita High School South; April Taylor, Wichita High School North
2019: Tyler Crighton, Wichita North High School; Sarah Ouis, Newton High School;
Jamie Smith, Salina South High School
2018: Jennifer Weaver, Halstead High School; Alicia Egan, Salina High School
2017: Amanda Allen, Nickerson High School; Zachary Dent, Newton High School; Clint Hayes,
Frontenac High School; Chandler Ochoa, Newton High School; Anatolia Ruiz, Pittsburg High
School; Mason Talbott, Wichita North High School
2016: Ricardo Sanchez, Chelsea Urban
2015: Heather Cox, St Mary’s Colgan High School; Pittsburg Chelsea Funk, Oakley High School;
Shelly Power, Salina Central High School
2014: Elizabeth Janzen, Salina Central HS; Rachel Bolter, Shawnee Mission Schools;
Susanna Tippett, Newton HS; Heather Cox, St. Mary's Colgan HS
2013: Sally Hardy, Atchinson Community HS; Cynthia Hartwell, Shawnee Mission South HS;
Emily Majerle, St. Thomas Aquinas HS
2012: Lee Dixon, Shawnee Mission South HS; Katherine Seyfried, Junction City HS; Paige Pate,
Galena and Riverton HS; Casey Bell, Abilene HS; Kristal Jurich, Royster Middle School
2011: Brigette Burandt, Paola Fuentes, Carmen Shirley, Erin Schoen,Claudia Torrez
2010: Rebecca Fleming, Margarita Santiago, Bailey Charland, Shelley Marsh, Rachel Kelly
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:
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a goal statement;
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a budget; and
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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 1st. For further information, contact the KSWLA Past President
RECIPIENTS
2020: No applicant
2019: Kassy Miller, Louisburg High School, "Enhancing Technology Integration and Non-Textbook-Related Resources;
Bonnie Orozco, Ellsworth High School, Digital Media Access and Presentational Communication"
2018: Chandler Ochoa, Newton High School, "Virtual Reality Headsets"
2015: Laia Tena Girones, Mead High School/A+ Network, "Photo Albums"
2014: Hollie Timson, Colby High School, "Videocameras for Cultural Commercials"
2010: Stephanie French, Olathe South High School, "Airplane Atmosphere"
2009: Mary Smith, Gardner-Edgerton High School, "Spanish IV Storybooks"
2008: No applicant
2007: No applicant
2006: Amelia Adams, Liberal, West Middle School, "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
This award is no longer given out through the ISE company.
RECIPIENTS
2015: Daniela Thrasher, Junction City High School
2014: Nan Bergen, Newton High School
2013: Carol Bar, Blue Valley High School, Overland Park, KS
2012: Lora Gallego-Haynes, Hays High School
2011: Alyson Kilcoyn, Blue Valley Southwest High School
