Pam Wesely, an associate professor in foreign language education, was honored with an Educator of the Year Award from the Iowa World Language Association (IWLA) at the 2019 Iowa World Language Association Conference on October 5th, 2019.

"It means a lot to be recognized in Iowa by my fellow educators, colleagues, and former students for the work that I have done to train language teachers and language researchers at the University of Iowa, and to promote world language learning in the state," says Wesely. "I am especially proud of the work that I have been doing to promote the Iowa Seal of Biliteracy, working with the Department of Education.  Our efforts have helped districts to award the Seal of Biliteracy to over 750 students in the state in its first year!" 

The Iowa World Language Association is devoted to the advancement and education of world languages, cultures, and literature. The Educator of the Year award is given to educators who have outstanding service to the profession in the state of Iowa and to the IWLA.

"Being challenged, engaged, and enlightened are central features of the study of other languages and cultures. It is vital that we make sure as language education professionals that these opportunities are available to all learners in our schools, now and in the future," says Wesely.