Lincoln-Way North Language Teacher Wins Prestigious National Award

From Lincoln-Way High School District:

Lincoln-Way North language teacher Linda Egnatz has been selected by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages for the 2014 National Language Teacher of the Year Award.

The national award presentation was announced in November during the Opening General Session of the 2013 ACTFL Convention & World Languages Expo in Orlando, FL.

“I am both humbled and proud to represent my fellow language educators as the ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year," Egnatz said. "I believe strongly in the importance of language education in our diverse, 21st Century world. It is the skill that will make my students more competitive in a globally connected workforce."

Egnatz is a Spanish language teacher for the Lincoln-Way High School District 210 as well as a member of the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. This year she has also earned the prestigious state of Illinois Golden Apple Award for Excellence.

“We at Lincoln-Way are always proud when our teachers are recognized for the exceptional work they do. Obviously this is quite an honor for Linda as she is recognized for her talent and her dedication to her profession,” said district Superintendent R. Scott Tingley.

Egnatz, a Nationally Board Certified teacher who teaches Spanish I, Spanish IV, Spanish V, Advanced Placement  Language and AP Literature at Lincoln-Way North High School, was named last October as the 2012 Illinois Foreign Language Teacher of the Year by the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

In that role, Egnatz was instrumental with her testimony and leadership to get Senate Bill 1221, Seal of Biliteracy passed by both the Illinois Senate and the House with Governor Quinn signing the bill on August 27, enacting into law Public Act 98-0560.

“Linda wants her students to love learning—and she models that as their instructor," said Assistant Superintendent Tim Reilly. "She is at the top of the teaching profession nationally, but she still attends every professional development session that we at Lincoln-Way offer to our teachers each year. She is both teacher and learner—a great combination.”

“As the Teacher of the Year I will have the opportunity to share my belief in the importance of speaking multiple languages and advocate for language learners throughout the United States and with policy makers in Washington, D.C.," Egnatz said. "Through the efforts of many, Illinois became the third state to offer the Seal of Biliteracy to high school students who demonstrate competence in both English and another language. I hope to see other states adopt this recognition tool that highlights what our graduates can achieve.  Because my students both inspire and challenge me on a daily basis to continue to learn and grow, my message to my fellow language educators will be the importance of professional development and collaboration. I look forward to the coming year and the exciting opportunities it presents.”