The World Language profession in the State of Georgia is fortunate to have many dedicated individuals working to support and improve World Language instruction. To recognize outstanding contributions to the profession, FLAG offers awards in the areas of teaching, supervision, and support for World Languages in our state. Below are links to pertinent information - be sure to review all pages!
For Awards-related questions, please contact the Awards Coordinator: Email
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FFLAG Awards: Nomination Form
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FLAG Awards: General Application Form
Teacher of the Year Award
Recognizes teachers who effectively strive to use various strategies, techniques, and materials to enhance the students' interest in, acquisition of, and proficiency in a second language. Two divisions will be recognized: P-12 and Post-Secondary.
Leadership Award
Recognizes those who have taken an active role in promoting foreign language education through professional and/or academic endeavors. Two divisions will be recognized: P-12 and Post-Secondary.
On occasion and at the discretion of its board, FLAG may present additional ad hoc and/or one-time awards as warranted (e.g. for noteworthy, special accomplishments etc.).
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Leadership & Support Awards
Flag Innovative Programs Award
Administrative Support of World Languages
Recognizes a Georgia Dean, Superintendent, Principal, or other administrator who has evidenced strong and overt support for World languages.
Fostering Partnerships With World Languages
Recognizes teachers who have sought to involve the broader community in World Language activities, which may occur on or away from campus.
FLAG Awards: Innovative Programs Application
Teacher of Promise Award
Recognizes teachers in their first, second, or third year of teaching who show the promise to be an outstanding teacher and leader in World Language education. Two divisions will be recognized: P-12 and Post-Secondary.
The following are the regular awards. Linked titles take you to a list of the criteria and requirements. All nominees, except in the case of Administrative support, are required to be current members of FLAG.
Teaching Awards
Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Ana Diaz
Mrs. Ana Diaz is a Spanish teacher and World Language Department Chair at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, GA. She has a B.A. in Spanish from Georgia State University and a Master’s degree from Tennessee State University.
In her recommenders’ words:
“Ana Diaz is an amazing teacher and leader. I have had the privilege of working with and the blessing of learning from her for 7 years. She is superiorly hard-working and driven to provide the best education and opportunities for her students.” Her colleague states that she “was able to see first-hand Ana's passion for the language, teaching, and most importantly her students. Her strong instructional framework inspired me as a new teacher.”
“Ana Diaz is an amazing educator that continues to inspire me and others. Her ability to do everything and more as an educator, student mentor, and community member is amazing. I can recommend my colleague, mentor, and friend Ana Diaz with absolutely no reservations.”
Nominations by November 24, 2024. All dossiers submitted by December 10, 2024
Please see below the Amazing 2024 Award Recipients
Administrative Support: Mr. Alfred McGuire
Mr. Alfred McGuire is the principal of Woodville Tompkins Technical and Career High School in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. He has a B.A. from Savannah State University, an M.Ed. from Armstrong Atlantic State University, and an M.Ed. from Mercer University, all here in Georgia.
In his recommenders’ words:
“[His] support has allowed our department to grow and be innovative in the teaching of World Languages.” Furthermore, his “leadership and impact for World Languages has extended beyond [the] building … Our school and district always count on his commitment to not only participate in but also host rich professional development, workshops, and conferences at his facility.”
”It is so refreshing to know that our school is so fortunate to have an administrator who truly believes in the work that we do as language teachers inside and outside of the classroom,” and we are so honored this year for him to receive our Administrative Support Award.
Leadership P-12: Shannon Borum
Mrs. Shannon Borum is a French teacher at Jackson High School in Butts County, Georgia. She has two B.A.s from Georgia State University, an M.Ed. from Kennesaw State University, and curren’t she is working on her Ed.D. from the University of South Carolina.
In her recommenders’ words:
“I often see [her] resourcefulness in her in our building. She has presented at multiple conferences including SCOLT, ACTFL, and Griffin RESA. She is an active member of ACTFL's Leadership Initiative for Language Learning Cohort 5, which is a two-year commitment to developing projects in the language teaching sphere, and she is on the GaDOE W.L. Advisory Committee.”
“She has been a long time member of FLAG and has actively engaged in projects across the state to support teachers. Her list of accomplishments grows longer every year and her passion for serving other teachers and for advancing our profession seems to only burn hotter with time. I stress to point out that Mrs. Borum is a true teacher-leader.
Leadership Post-Secondary: Dr. Grant Gearhart
Dr. Grant Gearhart is an Associate Professor at the Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern in Savannah, Georgia. He has two B.A.s from the University of the South Sewanee, an M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Ph.D. also from the University of North Carolina.
In his recommenders’ words:
“Within the classroom, Dr. Gearhart creates engaging purpose-driven coursework such as Spanish for Professional Communication, Global Business, and Spanish for Community Engagement. He also connects with his students by caring about them personally and implementing innovative grading practices specifically designed to support students. Dr. Gearhart shares these best practices in regional conferences such as the FLAG Conference.”
Additionally, he builds connections with local schools to foster community partnerships and “has made and continues to make a lasting impact on World Language in the state of Georgia.”
Post-Secondary Teaching: Dr. Kelly Davidson
Dr. Kelly Davidson has a B.A. from Furman University, an M.A. from Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. from Emory University. Currently, she is an Associate Professor of French and World Language Education at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA.
In her recommenders’ words:
“Dr. Davidson goes well beyond the classroom in that she is a tireless advocate for French in schools and all languages at the primary levels. This is her passion and her spirit; she loves spreading the joy of FLES. Similarly, she combines her research interests, such as equity and teaching as community, into her practical teaching.”
“Her outstanding contributions to world language teaching and the preparation of new
generations of language instructors as well as her passionate advocacy for early language
learning and teaching make Dr. Davidson an invaluable member not only of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at VSU but also of the profession.”
Teacher of Promise: Leandra Rodriguez
Ms. Leandra Rodriguez is a Spanish teacher at East Coweta Middle School in Senoia, GA. She holds a B.A. from the University of Puerto Rico and is working on her M.Ed. from the University of Salamanca, Spain.
In her recommenders’ words:
“Mrs. Rodriguez Is an exceptional Spanish teacher who exemplifies dedication, creativity, and passion in her role. Her commitment to providing students with a comprehensive and engaging language-learning experience is truly commendable. Her ability to plan and implement effective lessons as a testament to her pedagogical skills and commitment to student success.”
“I am confident that Ms. Rodriguez will continue to make significant contributions to the field of World Language education, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for this well-deserved recognition. Her enthusiasm for teaching is infectious, and her positive impact extends beyond the classroom.”
FLAG President Award: Michaela Claus-Nix
Over the past few decades, I have worked together with Michaela Claus-Nix while she served in different Over the past few decades, I have worked together with Michaela Claus-Nix while she served in different capacities and organisations such as as a German teacher, at the Georgia Department of Education, or for Forsyth County Schools, among others. Michaela has delivered many valuable things for those she served, be it her students, her teachers, or the parents in the state. As to FLAG in particular, in addition to serving on the board and frequently presenting at the conference, she contributed by participating on various committees. She has never turned me down when I asked her if she would be willing to do so. Michaela Claus-Nix deserves to receive the President's Award. Thank you for your service, and congratulations, Michaela!
