Awards Information
MIWLA recognizes outstanding world language educators and their supporters at its annual conference.
MIWLA Teacher of the Year Awards
The MIWLA Teacher of the Year Awards honor the accomplishments of exemplary K-12 world language teachers. Each year, one elementary, one middle school, and one high school teacher may be recognized with this award, which each includes a stipend of $250. Teacher of the Year winners are recognized at the annual MIWLA conference.
Teachers of the Year are expected to attend JNCL-NCLS Language Advocacy Days in Washington D.C., with funding from MIWLA, and other advocacy-related events at the request of the MIWLA Board.
Click Here to nominate a deserving colleague for one of the K-12 Teacher of the Year Awards
Deadline for nominations: June 30th
Georges J. Joyaux Post-Secondary Educator Award
The Georges J. Joyaux Post-Secondary Educator Award is given to an outstanding post-secondary faculty member or administrator who is committed to the principle of expanding Americans’ understanding of world languages and cultures to enhance their standing in education, culture, and business in the world. This award was named in honor of Georges J. Joyaux, who was one of the founders and Presidents of the Michigan Foreign Language Association, and was a professor of French at Michigan State University for over 40 years. Georges J. Joyaux Award winners are recognized at the annual MIWLA conference.
Click Here to nominate a deserving colleague for the Georges J. Joyaux Post-Secondary Educator Award
Deadline for nominations: June 30th
MIWLA Friend of World Languages Award
The Friend of World Languages Award recognizes an individual or group outside the world language education profession who has contributed significantly to the teaching, learning, and/or promotion of world languages in Michigan. MIWLA members may nominate candidates for this award by providing information about the nominee and nominator along with a statement in support of the nomination. To join or renew your membership, go to https://miwla.org/members/become-a-member/
Click Here to nominate a deserving individual or organization for the Friend of World Languages Award
Deadline for nominations: June 30th
Barbara Ort-Smith Award
Each year, the MIWLA Executive Board nominates candidates for the Barbara Ort-Smith Award. This is the most prestigious award a professional in the field of world languages can receive in the state of Michigan. The award honors those who have shown a strong commitment to the profession, manifesting itself in leadership and the promotion of excellence in world language education. The first recipient of this award was Barbara Ort-Smith in 1988. She served as the first Foreign Language consultant in the state of Michigan.
MIWLA Distinguished Service Award
The MIWLA Distinguished Service Award was established in 2014 and is given in recognition of exemplary service to the Michigan World Language Association and/or the profession at large. The MIWLA Executive Board nominates candidates and selects the recipient of the Award. Selection criteria may include holding leadership positions within MIWLA and/or other language organizations, serving as a chair or member of MIWLA committees, representing MIWLA in a national or international capacity, and/or other exemplary service to professional organizations or the profession at large. Recipients of the MIWLA Distinguished Service Award are recognized at the annual conference.
Outstanding Student Awards
MIWLA members may recognize their students with Outstanding Student Award certificates provided by MIWLA (members only, password required).
Current MIWLA Board Members are not eligible to receive awards.