ACTR Awards for Excellence in Teaching Russian – K-12 Level (K-8, 9-12)

The purpose of these awards is to honor and recognize outstanding teachers for their dedication, professionalism and excellence in Russian language instruction across the US. The awards also highlight the accomplishments and achievements of Russian language teachers at the K-12 level, working in both private and public schools. These awards were also created to further engage ACTR member teachers through national recognition, in addition to highlighting and strengthening ACTR and Russian language programs nationwide.

The next award cycle opens Fall 2023

Eligibility
  • The award is open to instructors of Russian language working at a public or private educational institution, at the elementary, middle, or high school level.   
  • The nominee must be a current member of ACTR.
  • The nominee must have taught Russian language courses at least five (5) years.
  • Candidates can be nominated by anyone, including a colleague, supervisor, or private individual.
  • ​Only one nomination will be accepted from a nominator (i.e.. the nominating individual).
Overall Selection Procedure
The ACTR Award for Excellence in Teaching Russian Committee seeks to select one (1) candidate from each level (K-8 and 9-12) who demonstrates high-leverage teaching practices, enthusiasm for learning Russian, and the ability to serve as an influential advocate for teaching Russian on a regional and national basis. The final winners are notified and publicly announced through ACTR Newsletter, social media, and a letter to the teachers’ administrators.
Requirements for Teacher Nomination ~ Criteria of Excellence
 
Teacher Knowledge and Application of Subject Matter
  • Uses their knowledge of Russian and the cultures of the Russian-speaking world to involve and direct students in meaningful language learning and acquisition.
  • Uses standards-based and proficiency-based instruction to foster and facilitate the learning of language and culture.
 
Teacher Development of Student Learning
  • Demonstrates a clear commitment to their students’ learning.
  • Develops student proficiencies in Russian language and increases their cultural understanding.
  • Creates an inclusive, caring, and challenging learning environment that is contextually appropriate and reflective of real-life situations.
  • Fosters critical and creative thinking in students by developing an awareness of the diverse perspectives that exist within and between various cultures.
  • Sets equitable goals, which assure that all students have the opportunity to learn.
  • Uses differentiated instruction to meet various students’ learning needs.
  • Actively engages in language and culture related extra and co-curricular activities and/or advising.
 
Student Empathy on the part of Teacher
  • Values each student as an individual.
  • Encourages open communication with students and parents.
  • Promotes equity and inclusion.
 
Teacher Professional Growth and Contributions
  • Demonstrates continuous professional development and growth in the subject area and teaching strategies.
  • Collaborates with all necessary stakeholders in developing curricula and assessment tools to ensure student success.
  • Shares knowledge and expertise through conference presentations, workshops, etc.
  • Active involvement in a professional organization and/or community outreach to promote language and culture.
Nomination Process
To nominate a K-12 Teacher of Russian, nominators should click on the following link to:
  • Enter general information about the nominated teacher on the Google Form – be sure to select for which award level you are nominating the teacher (K-8 or 9-12)
  • Upload the nominating letter in support of the teacher candidate on the Google Form;
  • Upload any supporting documentation or materials in support of the nomination to the Google Form.
  • The nominator can access the Google form here

The nomination file should include the following:

From the nominator: 
The nominator should submit a nomination letter which demonstrates and details how the candidate exemplifies the criteria of excellence (above) as a teacher of Russian language and culture. The nominator should review all requirements prior to drafting the nomination letter and before filling out the Google Form.  

From the nominee:
The nominee is welcome to provide any supporting documentation to the nominating individual when that individual makes such request. Such supporting documentation that could be requested in support of the K-12 teacher award nomination are: 
  • a Curriculum Vitae or educational resume that focuses on teaching;
  • a sample of an exemplary, innovative and inclusive instructional unit or practice;
  • a practice of promoting the study of Russian language and culture on a local, regional and national basis. 
  • contribution(s) to the field of Russian language teaching and/or curricular materials. 
  • anything else to assist the individual nominating you and that might distinguish you as an exceptional teacher of Russian. 
Timeline
  • All nominations and supporting materials are due by November 15th of each calendar year
  • Notification of award recipients will be made by January 15th
  • The finalist will be announced at the general ACTR membership meeting at the annual AATSEEL conference and recognized in the ACTR Newsletter
Questions? Please, write to the following K-12 Award Committee members:
Committee Chair, John R. Rook (rookj@glastonburyus.org)
Committee Co-Chair, Elena Farkas (RussianAZ@alaskan.com)