AFS-USA has created two distinct awards to celebrate both individual educators and secondary schools or school districts that have made global engagement and intercultural learning a part of their everyday instruction and school environment. We seek to recognize an educator who works to do this by engaging with AFS-USA programs, students, and resources, and we hope to showcase an educator and a school every year that will inspire others to weave culture and global thinking into their learning environments.
AFS-USA is seeking nominations and applications for these awards throughout the fall semester. Submit your nomination today!
Any questions can be sent to educators@afsusa.org.
Nomination deadline is December 15, 2026
Nominators must provide the following through this nomination form:
- A brief letter explaining why they are nominating this educator, including detailed examples of global engagement/competence of the candidate in and out of the school building, the nominee’s current connection to AFS, and the contact information for the person being nominated. (Max. 2 pages)
- Optional Supplemental Artifacts: These can include any additional documentation from photos, news articles, event programs, presentations, screen captures from social media, etc. that showcase global learning, experiences, and engagement for students and/or the wider school community. (Max. 5 pages)
Nominees will be reviewed for eligibility and then will be invited to submit an application.
Application deadline is January 18, 2027
Applicants must provide:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (Max. 4 pages)
- Personal Statement: What is the candidate's philosophy on global competence/intercultural learning in the classroom? How do they incorporate global competence into their curriculum and engage with AFS-USA exchange students (hosted and sent) and resources as a means to do so? This statement should speak to the points in the rubric provided. Candidates should feel free to provide a sample lesson or classroom activity as a separate document. (Max. 3 pages)
- Letter of Recommendation: This should be from a current or former supervisor if possible, or a current or former parent or student if needed, who can speak to the candidate's knowledge, skills, and dispositions as outlined in the rubric. (Max. 2 pages)
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Supplemental Artifacts: These can include any additional documentation from photos, news articles, event programs, presentations, screen captures from social media, photos from their physical classroom or student projects, etc. (Max. 5 pages)
- Optional Professional Headshot: This should be a high-resolution photo of the candidate from the shoulders and above.
All applicants will be evaluated using this rubric.
Updated Deadlines, Terms & Conditions, and other details will be provided in the fall each year.
Past AFS-USA Global Educators of the Year
2026 - Anne-Michele Boyle, World History & Global Citizenship/Local Citizenship Teacher (Illinois)
2025 - Kirsten Salonga, English as a New Language Science Teacher & Department Chair (Virginia)
2024 - Elizabeth Chapman, English Teacher & Study Abroad Coordinator (Texas)
2023 - Lindsey Smaka, Chemistry & Global Studies Teacher (Minnesota)
2022 - Josh Amstutz, Math & Global Studies Teacher (Ohio)