The Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP) calls for nominations for its second annual “CLASP Excellence in Language Education Award”. The award recognizes excellence in Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTLs) spoken in Latin America and the Caribbean, including language instruction, pedagogical success, curriculum development, and efforts to promote, preserve, and revitalize LCTLs in the U.S. and abroad.
Eligibility:
All nominees who currently teach LCTLs, engage in LCTL pedagogy, work on LCTL curriculum, or other closely related activities are eligible. Nominees must be affiliated with a CLASP member institution. Graduate students are not eligible for this award.
Application Materials:
Individuals may nominate themselves or may be nominated by their faculty, staff, or student colleague(s). Nominees from previous years may re-apply.
The application packet should be submitted as a single PDF document which includes the following:
- Nomination Letter(s): This letter may be written by the nominee themself or by their faculty, staff, or student colleague(s). It should explain how the individual has demonstrated excellence in LCTL Instruction (see evaluation criteria below). Nominees may submit a maximum of 2 nomination letters. Each one should not exceed 2 single-spaced pages.
- Statement of Pedagogical Philosophy: This document, written by the nominee, explains their approach to encouraging the instruction of Latin American LCTLs and provides concrete examples of how they put their philosophy into practice. It should not exceed 2 single-spaced pages.
- CV listing relevant professional experience.
- Two professional references: The selection committee will only contact the professional references of nominees deemed finalists.
Evaluation Criteria:
Application materials should address the individual’s contributions in the following areas:
- Teaching effectiveness, including pedagogical style, creative learning activities, and/or effective use of distance-learning technologies.
- Development of resources for the teaching and learning of LCTLS.
- Student focus and mentoring.
- Involvement in the promotion, preservation, and revitalization of LCTL languages, including professional associations and participation in service activities.
- Cultural relevance, outreach, and community engagement.
The CLASP Language Committee will evaluate nominations based on these criteria and submit a winner to the CLASP Executive Committee, who will certify the award.
Application Procedure:
Compile all application materials into a single PDF file and email them to Erin Hannahan: [email protected]. Please use the subject heading “LAST NAME CLASP Language Education Award Nomination.”
Timeline and Next Steps:
Nominations will be accepted through March 15th, 2024.
The winner will be presented with an engraved trophy and a check for $500. Awardees are asked to participate in future selection processes and contribute to the Language Resources on the CLASP website. Nominees will be notified in late spring/early summer and the award will be announced at the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) Congress in June 2024.
Click here to view PDF version of this Call for Nominations.