Past NEBLA Awardees

2025

• Outstanding World Language Teacher: Brenda López Adame, Lincoln Public Schools

• New World Language Teacher:  Mohammad Alnajem, Lincoln Public Schools

• Pro-Lingua: Magali Arriaga Rodriguez, Paraeducator, Bryan Elementary School 

• Best of Nebraska NEBLA Session (awarded from 2025 Fall Conference): TBD by Oct. 31st! Stay tuned!

• AATSP - Nebraska Spanish Teacher of the Year: Dr. Janine Theiler, Lincoln Public Schools

• AATF - Nebraska French Teacher of the Year: Sarah Klankey, Lincoln Public Schools

• AATG - Nebraska German Teacher of the Year: Gwyneth Cliver, University of Nebraska @Omaha

• CLTA- Chinese Teacher of the Year: Zheying Jane Li, Lincoln Chinese School

2022

• Outstanding World Language Teacher: Alicia Dallman Shoemaker 

• New World Language Teacher: Trinia Perigo, Columbus High School

• Pro-Lingua: Nathan Bacon, Bellevue East

• Best of Nebraska NILA Session (awarded from 2021 Fall Conference): 

  • The Future of World Languages in Nebraska Schools, Colleges and Universities Observations, Trends and Advocacy (Josh Pope and Jared List, Doane University) 

• AATSP - Nebraska Spanish Teacher of the Year: Piper Porras, Bellevue East High School

• AATF - Nebraska French Teacher of the Year:  Sara Parkening, Pound Middle School

• AATG - Nebraska German Teacher of the Year: Dr. Olaf Böhlke, Creighton University

• CLTA- Chinese Teacher of the Year: Coral Su, North Star High School

2019

• Outstanding World Language Teacher: Kathy DaMoude

• New World Language Teacher: Kelleen Browning, Lincoln Southeast High School

• Pro-Lingua: Jenny White, Schuyler Public Library

• Best of Nebraska NILA Session (awarded from 2018 Fall Conference): 

  • Fancy Free with Freewrites and Free Reading (Jamie Honke, Ralston High School)

• NATSP Teacher of the Year: Dr. Jami Holbein Swanson, Lincoln Northstar High School

• NATF Teacher of the Year: Sasha Van Zandt, Lincoln Southwest High School

• Cover Design: Alex Vodraska (sr), Lincoln High School