Melissa Dalton, Spanish teacher at Scripps Middle School in Lake Orion and Michigan State University Spanish alumna, was selected as the Central States’ Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages’ (CSCTFL) Teacher of the Year, which recognizes best practices and excellence in the teaching and learning of languages. 

Dalton, who is the 2016 Michigan World Language Association (MIWLA) Middle School Teacher of the Year, competing against seven other state Teachers of the Year for the honor. She received the award March 10 at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago. 

“Michigan has many fabulous programs and educators in world languages. I am thrilled to receive this honor, but truly believe it is a recognition of tremendous effort and innovation within our entire community of language teachers,” Dalton said. “Over the years, a great part of my motivation has stemmed from the networks formed in collaboration with other teachers. I am grateful for our strong MIWLA organization, which consistently provides high-quality workshops and professional support beyond the walls of my school. I know many other superb world language teachers who, in the years to come, are going to continue this positive trend for Michigan!”

I am thrilled to receive this honor, but truly believe it is a recognition of tremendous effort and innovation within our entire community of language teachers.

Dalton’s nomination received the support of administrators, mentors, colleagues, students, and parents, who characterized her as “a teacher with a real passion for teaching languages.” They cited her innovative proficiency-oriented teaching practices and leadership in Oakland Schools’ district-wide world language initiatives in support of her nomination.

“Melissa exemplifies excellence in world language education in Michigan. We could not be prouder that she is representing our state and our region as an advocate for language learning,” said Daniel Noren, President of the Michigan World Language Association.

Over the course of the year, Dalton will represent CSCTFL at conferences and language advocacy events throughout the 14 Midwestern states that the organization represents. She also will compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages’ annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee, in November 2017.