Arizona English Learner Teacher of the Year

During the annual conference, the Arizona Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition Services (OELAS) recognizes, honors, and celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of English learner (EL) educators throughout the state of Arizona. The top honor of the Arizona EL Teacher of the Year award highlights and validates the consistent dedication to the success of English learners.

2026 Arizona English Learner Teacher of the Year

The 2026 Arizona EL Teacher of the Year award nomination/application window is now open!

In an effort to streamline the process and widen the pool of candidates, OELAS has updated the process for the Arizona English Learner (EL) Teacher of the Year award. Starting this year, the nomination and application forms have been merged into one step! District/Charter EL Coordinators or instructional leaders may still nominate an outstanding teacher of ELs for this award. Teachers of ELs may also nominate a peer or themselves for this award. Please nominate by requesting the teacher(s) to complete the application packet.

Also, new this year, teachers are asked to submit a model lesson plan or a video of the teacher’s classroom instruction. This is an exciting addition to the process that is embedded in other state and national award processes! The nomination/application packet has a full list of details and a complete checklist for submission.

Please ensure teachers submit the documents by the September 19th deadline!

We look forward to receiving nominations/applications from teachers of ELs from all over Arizona!

2026 EL Teacher of the Year Award presentation will take place at the 2026 OELAS Conference.

December 9, 2026 | Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona

Timeline:

August 2026 | Completed Applications accepted
September 19, 2026 | Applications and Files Due
September 28, 2026 | Selection panel convenes
October – November 2026 | Classroom observation window
November 2026 | Winner notification
December 9, 2026 | Award presentation

Nomination/Application Documents:

2026 Arizona EL Teacher of the Year Nomination-Application (fillable PDF)

2026 TOY English Learner Data Template (Excel with grade-level/grade-band worksheets)

2025 Arizona English Learner Teacher of the Year

Erin Heath, 5th-grade teacher | Balsz Elementary School District

Erin has been a teacher in the Balsz Elementary School District for a number of years. When she was asked about the rewards and challenges of her teaching experiences with English learners, she shared: “When I began teaching sixteen years ago, I did not anticipate that I would find my home in English Language education. Yet over time, through the relationships I formed with students and their families, and through my growing appreciation for the beauty of language acquisition, I discovered a profound purpose in this work. English Learners have taught me more about resilience, curiosity, and identity than I ever imagined possible.”