2026 Finalists

How to apply

NECTFL Teacher of the Year candidates come from those who have been chosen as Teacher of the Year by the 14 state and district organizations of NECTFL. ACTFL requests those associations choose their Teacher of the Year candidate during the fall. State candidates work with their organization to prepare their supporting documents and submit their portfolios by mid-January. The NECTFL Teacher of the Year Committee reviews all the materials received, interviews every candidate, and choose the NECTFL Teacher of the Year, who is announced at the Annual Conference. Every state and district partner organization is encouraged to publicize the award, to nominate a Teacher of the Year, and to participate in this program to carry the important message of the value of language education to the entire region.

Eligibility

Nominations may only come from state (and the District) partners in the Northeast. Successful candidates must be fill-time language educators who spend at least 50% of their time in direct teaching during the year of their application with an expectation of teaching during the next two (2) years.

Obligations and Financial Support

All NECTFL Teacher of the Year finalists are invited to attend the conference and the NECTFL Awards Ceremony to be recognized for their achievement. NECTFL provides a complimentary conference registration and one night at the conference hotel for each nominee. Nominating associations also provide support to help cover travel expenses.

Submissions

All materials must be submitted to NECTFL by sharing them via Google Drive with toy@nectfl.org and info@nectfl.org. Do not mail or email materials. Please contact toy@nectfl.org with any questions about sharing your portfolio.

The deadline to submit portfolios to NECTFL is January 18, 2027 (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).