WAFLT Teacher of the Year

The Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers (WAFLT) is proud to announce that the WAFLT Teacher of the Year is Kelly Ferguson, a dedicated and innovative Spanish teacher at Robert M. La Follette High School in Madison, Wisconsin.

Kelly Ferguson’s journey in education is marked by a profound commitment to student success, a passion for language learning, and an unwavering dedication to professional development. Her nomination, put forth by Marta Ruiz Yedinak, NBCT, underscores her exemplary qualities as an educator who consistently raises the bar for teaching excellence.

Ruiz Yedinak’s nomination letter captures the essence of Kelly’s impact: “I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Kelly Ferguson for the Teacher of the Year award. Kelly is a remarkable educator who exemplifies the highest standards of teaching excellence and dedication to her students and colleagues. Having had the privilege to observe Kelly in action, I have been consistently impressed by her exceptional teaching abilities and her unwavering commitment to her students’ success. Her classroom is a model of effective teaching practices where students thrive in an environment that is both supportive and stimulating.”

Kelly’s proficiency in delivering engaging and effective Spanish lessons is a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy. She fosters linguistic competence while creating a rich and immersive learning experience for her students. Her classroom management skills are exemplary, ensuring smooth transitions between activities and maintaining an atmosphere where students are comfortable and eager to participate.

Beyond her classroom, Kelly’s influence extends to the broader educational community. She plays a pivotal role in organizing the Comprehensible Midwest conference, an event acclaimed at both state and international levels for its contributions to language education. Her leadership and organizational skills have been instrumental in the conference’s success, attracting educators from diverse backgrounds to share best practices and innovative teaching strategies.

As a National Board Certified Teacher and mentor, Kelly generously shares her expertise with fellow educators, supporting them in achieving their professional goals and advancing their teaching practices. Her dedication to professional development is further demonstrated by her frequent presentations at language conferences. Kelly’s sessions are consistently well-received due to their practicality and immediate applicability in diverse educational settings.

Kelly Ferguson’s academic background is equally impressive. She holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. She is also a Wisconsin Master Educator, underscoring her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of teaching excellence.

In addition to her classroom and professional development roles, Kelly is actively involved in various educational initiatives and organizations. She serves as a member of the Central States Advisory Council and is an active participant in the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Her involvement in these organizations highlights her dedication to advancing the field of language education and staying abreast of the latest trends and best practices.

Kelly’s impact on the field of language education extends beyond her immediate community. Her work as a contributor to Señor Wooly LLC involves creating engaging content and resources for language learners and educators worldwide. Her contributions have enriched the language learning experience for countless students and provided valuable tools for teachers seeking to enhance their instructional practices.

The WAFLT Teacher of the Year award serves as a testament to Kelly Ferguson’s exceptional contributions to the field of language education. Her passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to student success and professional development truly set her apart as an outstanding representative of our profession. As we celebrate her achievements, we are reminded of the profound impact that dedicated and innovative educators can have on the lives of their students and the broader educational community.