On average, one teacher has the opportunity to inspire and shape 3,000 potential students over the course of their career: That equates to 30 million individuals whose lives will have been changed by current ACTFL members and more than 159,000 students inspired by current participants and alumni of LCF's Teacher Scholarship Program alone!
We asked LCF Scholar and future language teacher Kiana—who will complete her undergraduate studies this spring—about the teacher who has most inspired her language journey:
"Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the constant support I have received from Señora Flinchbaugh. My entire high school experience and career choice wouldn’t have been the same without my amazing Spanish teacher.
Señora Flinchbaugh was the individual who inspired me to pursue a career in Spanish education. It was her constant dedication to the language and her students that made a difference in my life and how I viewed language and culture.
I have had the privilege to return to my high school and student teach with Señora Flinchbaugh as my mentor teacher, and it has been so rewarding to learn from her again and make an impact in my own students’ language learning experience similar to the impact Señora Flinchbaugh had in my life."
- Kiana, LCF Teacher Scholar Class of 2024
In turn, Señora Flinchbaugh shared with us about the wonderful teacher who inspired her:
"I knew from the very first moment that I would love Spanish class; it was true then and for the next four years and beyond. My high school teacher, Mrs. Julie Stahle, was already using Spanish with us on the first day of level 1, and I was so excited to hear, understand, and begin to speak and write in a new language. Mrs. Stahle planted seeds in me for language learning, travel, and intercultural connections and understanding, and she inspired in me a passion that would last a lifetime. It is because of her own passion, confidence, and skill as a teacher and because of her investment in her students that I studied Spanish in college—and eventually became proficient—studied abroad and earned a master’s degree in Spain, and have visited Spanish-speaking countries.
Mrs. Stahle’s influence lives on today, as I share with my own students the passion and learning that were inspired by her. Her legacy lives on through me, through my students who continue their studies of Spanish, and through the future teachers in my classroom who will someday impact students of their own.
I would not be the person, teacher, or mentor I am today without Mrs. Stahle, and I am forever indebted to her."
- Megan Flinchbaugh, Manheim Central High School (PA)
During Teacher Appreciation Week—and everyday!—we celebrate and honor the outstanding language educators who have broadened our perspectives, helped us to connect with a greater community, and inspired us well beyond our comfort zones.
Please join us in recognizing the language teachers who've changed your life by sharing about them here for a chance to be featured on the LCF site or social media @LangConnectsFdn in the days ahead!
Know a graduating high school senior who aspires to a career teaching a language (or languages) other than English? We're accepting applications for the next cohort of LCF Teacher Scholars through 5 p.m. ET on May 31, 2024.
Eligible students—including those entering community colleges (new in 2024!)—can receive up to $6,000 in funding as well as complimentary ACTFL membership during the program and for one year upon entry into the field.