Academics

World Languages News and Recognition

Highlights of outstanding world language teachers and programs throughout the state.

World Languages in the News

West Virginia world language organizations and programs receive state and national recognition.

Local American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese chapter wins national award - journal-news.net (July 2, 2025)

Teacher Recognitions

West Virginia has a long tradition of recognizing outstanding teachers. The honor and title of World Language Teacher of the Year continues.

YearHonoree K-12Honoree College & University
1982Roger Smith, Ripley HS 
1983Clara White, Fairmont Sr. HS 
1984Terri Marlow, Parkersburg HS 
1985Robin Snyder, St. Albans HS 
1986Eniko Pfunder, Bridgeport Jr. HS 
1987Janet Rea, St. Mary's HS 
1988Ede Ashworth, Brooke HS 
1989Paulette Metcalf, Morgantown HS 
1990Margaret Ragni, Linsly School 
1991Bernice Husk, Mt. de Chantal 
1992Denise McNeel, Pocahontas Co. 
1993Gertraud Irwin, Morgantown HS 
1994Joyce McGeehan, Brooke HS 
1995Kelly Moore, Mt. de Chantal 
1997Joanne Fawcett, Magnolia HSPauline Nelson, Bethany College
1998Brad Martin, Elkins HS  
1999Teresa Law, Parkersburg HSMary Frye, WV State University
2000Margaret Dolan, Wheeling Park HSJuergen Schlunk, West Virginia University
2001Debora Nicholson, Bridgeport HS 
2002David Marlow, Parkersburg HS 
2003James Cimino, Fairmont Senior HS 
2004Nicoletta Villa Sella, Linsly School 
2005Joseph McBride, Woodrow Wilson HSSandra Dixon, West Virginia University
2007Nancy Ryan, Hedgesville HS 
2008Jon Averill, Summers Co. HSValerie Lastinger, West Virginia University
2009Marchetía Bailey, South Charleston HSRebecca Conner, WV State University
2010Blanca Skaggs, Taylor Co. MSHarald Menz, Bethany College
2011Anna Megyesi, WV Virtual SchoolMaria Amores, West Virginia University
2012Mary Jane Williams, Richwood HSAngel Tuninetti, West Virginia University
2013Shirlene Groseclose, Pocahontas Co. HSJulie Sellers, Fairmont State University
2014Michelle Leversee, Morgantown HSDel Chrol, Marshall University
2015Jenny Santilli, Bridgeport High School 
2016Liz Daigle, Greenbrier East High School 
2017Leah Devine, WV Virtual School 
2018Amelia Richter, Warwood MS, Wheeling Park HS 
2019Lynn Knowles, Hancock Co. WV 
2020Bill Denham, Riverside HS, Kanawha Co. 
2021Jennifer La Casella, WV Virtual School 
2022Elizabeth Sánchez, Spring Mills MS 
2023María “Lola” Contreras, Morgantown HS 
2024Erin Peralta, Musselman High SchoolAmy Thompson, West Virginia University
2025Li Jung Chang, Morgantown High School 

 

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