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.

• 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.

• Values each student as an individual.
• Encourages open communication with students and parents.
• Promotes equity and inclusion.

• 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 submit their nomination letter following the link to the nominator's form on this page by November 1.

• Enter general information about the nominated teacher on the nomination 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 nomination form.
• Upload any supporting documentation or materials in support of the nomination to the nomination form.

Nominees should submit their nominee's packet through the nominee's submission form on this page by December 1.

• 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.