Klett Award for Sustainable Development Education in the World Language Classroom

The Klett Award for Sustainable Development Education in the World Language Classroom recognizes both language educators (K-20) and programs who have effectively incorporated elements of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their classroom curriculum and projects, and in doing so promote global awareness and social responsibility among their students and peers, the world leaders of the future.

Aligned with Klett World Languages’ mission to improve mutual understanding and promote peace and prosperity through competence in world languages and an appreciation of diverse cultures, this award seeks to inspire:

• language education programs that are diverse, inclusive, and encourage meaningful communication to foster global citizenship in and out of the classroom; and
• initiatives that recognize that sustainability requires meeting the needs of our current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to also meet theirs.

Up to three awards (with honoraria) granted annually, one each to a:

• K-12 Educator
• College/University Educator
• Department, School/Institution, or Program

Specific Criteria Considered in the Evaluation of Nominees

1. Incorporates one or more of the UN’s 17 SDGs
2. Fosters global citizenship via integration of diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas
3. Inspires creativity and collaboration among students/peers
4. Promotes empathy and inclusion to affirm collective social responsibility

Apply Today View the Evaluation Rubric

Procedures for Nomination

The nomination dossier must include the following documents (in order):

• A cover letter introducing the nominee and the relevant program/initiative (not to exceed 500 words).
• Letters of support (maximum of 3); including but not limited to colleagues, supervisors, current or former students, and administrators).
• Additional narrative/ supporting documents (not to exceed 10 pages) e.g. photos, artifacts, articles, etc. (not to exceed 10 pages or 4500 words)

Following the selection process, awardees must agree to submit a short video (60 seconds maximum) addressing the impact of this program upon notification, along with their acceptance materials. Videos should answer the below prompts:

• What has receiving the award meant to you, personally and professionally?
• Why is your work focused on the SDGs a priority for you?
• What words of encouragement and/or inspiration would you like to share with other world language educators?

Note: Members of the ACTFL and the Language Connects Foundation Boards of Directors are not eligible to nominate candidates for nor receive this award.

Interested in supporting an impactful initiative like this? We invite you to explore opportunities for corporate partners or contact Language Connects Foundation Director Kit Hall to discuss customizable options.