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 also seek to recognize an educator who works to do this by engaging with AFS-USA programs, students, and resources. We also hope to showcase an educator and a school every year that will inspire others to weave culture and global thinking into their learning environments.
We seek 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, 2025
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 15, 2026
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
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)