About the ELLA Award

The Excellence in Less Commonly Taught Languages Award (ELLA) recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate innovation, impact, and commitment to teaching less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) across diverse educational settings. The LCTLs comprise all languages other than English, French, German, and Spanish, which were/are taught widely in mainly Western contexts.

The award highlights educators whose work strengthens language learning, cultural understanding, and community engagement and elevates the visibility of LCTL instruction from K–12 through to adult education. LCTL educators work in different educational contexts, such as community-based schools and programs (heritage language schools, nonprofit organizations, cultural centers, and other community-driven educational settings), K–12 schools (in-school or after-school programs), higher education, and adult education.

This inaugural award reflects SAILN’s long-standing commitment to advancing equitable access to high-quality language education and supporting educators whose work strengthens multilingual communities.

Other-Nomination Form

Self-Nomination Form

Nominees must:
  • Teach or support instruction in a less commonly taught language
  • Be actively teaching or working in an educational setting (K–12, higher education, community school, or adult education)
  • Demonstrate impact, innovation, and leadership in language education
Self-nominations and other-nominations are accepted. Members of the ELLA Award committee are not eligible.
ELLA Award recipients will receive:

  • Formal recognition at the ELLA Award Event
  • An award certificate
  • An honorarium of $500
  • Recognition on the ELLA website and social media
  • Professional opportunities within the language education community
The ELLA Award Committee requests both self-nominations and other-nominations. Application requirements differ slightly by nomination type. Please review the nomination instructions carefully and ensure all required materials are submitted by the deadline. Incomplete submissions cannot be reviewed.
Required Documents for Self-Nomination
To self-nominate for this award, please complete the Google form and upload all required materials. These include
  • two letters of support,
  • an updated CV or résumé, and
  • a recent high-resolution photograph suitable for display and social media use.
Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.    
Required Documents for Other-Nomination
Before submitting a nomination, please ensure the nominee has given their consent. Nominators must complete the Google form. In addition to submitting their letter of recommendation, nominators are responsible for securing and uploading the following required documents:
  • another additional letter of support written by another Nominator,
  • the Nominee’s most recent CV or résumé, and
  • a high-resolution photograph suitable for display and social media use.
Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
Nomination Period: February 15 – April 30, 2026

Review of Nominations: May 1 – May 15, 2026

Finalist Interviews: May 18 – May 29, 2026

Winners Notified: June 1, 2026

Award Event: Saturday, June 20, 2026

What counts as an LCTL?

LCTL encompasses languages other than English, French, German, and Spanish.

Can I nominate myself or someone else?

Yes. Both self-nominations and other-nominations are welcome.

Can nominees be informed after submission?

No. Nominees must provide consent prior to submission.

Can past nominees be nominated again?

Yes, if they are eligible.