Ankeny, IA—The Iowa World Language Association (IWLA) is pleased to announce the 2022 IWLA Educator of the Year for the Middle Level has been awarded to Johanys Alvarez-Cruz, a Des Moines Public Schools Spanish teacher at both Harding and Meredith in Des Moines, Iowa. The Educator of the Year Award is designed to recognize teachers who exemplify the best in teaching at their particular level, who demonstrate involvement in the Iowa World Language Association, and who provide evidence of leadership and contributions to the field of world language education. The award presentation was held during the 2022 Iowa World Language Association Annual Conference luncheon at the Des Moines Area Community College campus in Ankeny, Iowa on Saturday October 1, 2022.

Ms. Alvarez-Cruz was selected as the mid-level educator of the year because she is the PLC lead for Heritage Spanish teachers in her district. In addition to that she freely and willingly shares things she makes with her colleagues. In response to the teacher shortage she began leading a future educators club to encourage her bilingual students to become our next generation of teachers. She teaches with enthusiasm and uses current research to help aid her students in language acquisition. She also began taking graduate courses in ELL to support students in her classroom. Her administrator stated, “she has been one of the most exemplary teachers not only in their school, but in the district.” She uses her bilingual abilities to build connections with students, families and the community. She engages students everyday in hands-on activities. Ms. Alvarez-Cruz is described as having an infectious personality and upbeat demeanor. This combination has engaged and inspired even her most reluctant learners. One student said, “she was always patient with students and helpful and caring, not just about school, but about them.” Johanys Alvarez-Cruz exemplifies the best of teaching and has provided outstanding service to the profession in the state of Iowa. It is our privilege to honor her as a recipient of this award.