Two weeks remains to nominate a K-12, post-secondary or graduate student instructor of Russian for an ACTR Excellence in Teaching Award! We invite you to join us in recognizing the impact of exceptional teaching by nominating stellar colleagues for these awards. 

Why Nominate?

These prestigious awards celebrate dedication and impact in Russian language teaching, enhancing professional visibility and recognizing the most exceptional educators in our field. 

Award Categories and Deadlines: 

For all awards, the materials and letters of support are due by December 1, 2025. Please see the following websites for detailed instructions and submission links:

• ACTR Teaching Excellence Award for K-12 Teachers. Two awards: K-8 and 9-12 and one new award: Excellence in Teaching Russian at K-12 Level in Community-Based and Online After-School, Weekend, and Summer Programs recognizing outstanding educators who teach Russian to K-12 students in community-based settings. This award honors instructors working in community-based Russian language institutions, including both in-person and online schools and camps (after-school/weekend/summer) at the elementary, middle, or high school level 

• ACTR Teaching Excellence Award for Post-Secondary Instructors

• ACTR Teaching Excellence Award for Graduate Student Instructors

Special funding opportunity: Please also keep in mind the ACTR Olga E. Kagan Professional Development Grant, with a deadline of April 1, 2026. Two grants (up to $500 each) are awarded each year to offset the cost of professional development in language pedagogy.  

Questions?

For any questions or additional information, please contact the relevant committee chair:

• K-12 Awards Committee Chair: Julia Denne, bytheonionsea@gmail.com
• Post-Secondary Awards Committee Chair (including the Graduate Student award): Alexandra Shapiro, aeshapiro@uga.edu
• Olga E. Kagan Professional Development Grant Committee Chair: Susan Kresin,