Press Release for IWLA 2016 Teacher of Promise Award Winner

October 10, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Coralville, IA—The Iowa World Language Association (IWLA) is pleased to announce the 2016 Teacher of Promise has been awarded to Taylor Thenhaus, a Spanish language teacher at Madrid High School in Madrid, IA. The award presentation was held during the Luncheon of the 2016 Iowa World Language Association Annual Conference at the Coralville Marriott in Coralville, IA on Friday, October 7th.

According to one of her former professors, "She can break difficult concepts down and explain them in ways that are understandable to secondary school students. She involves students in real-life activities. Her lessons include challenging content and smooth transitions. She encourages students to do well and guides them to find answers to their questions."

In describing her purpose as a world language teacher, this TOP awardee stated, "I want to inspire the world one classroom at a time, and know that I am helping make the world a better place one student at a time. My desire to learn about Spanish speaking countries transformed into an undeniable passion to spread awareness and appreciation of all cultures. I want to see a change in the world, and as a teacher I can make a difference." IWLA would like to congratulate Taylor as our 2016 IWLA Teacher of Promise.

About IWLA
The Iowa World Language Association (IWLA) represents the more than 1200 world language educators in the state from all levels of instruction and representing all languages. The Iowa World Language Association (IWLA) is devoted to advancing the worldwide mission of education and world languages, literature and culture by promoting the study of world languages and cultures, promoting language curricula, from primary to post-secondary levels, to enable students to become proficient in the target language, and opening the doors for multilingual interaction with other cultures. More information can be found at www.iwla.net.

Pictured: Taylor with IWLA Past President, Dr. Linda Quinn Allen