Congratulations to CLTA Teacher of the Year 2026
Dr. Maylén Sullivan
“Dr. Sullivan is a visionary educator whose commitment to equity, student voice, and high-impact instruction is transforming language education in California,” said CLTA President Ronit Ron-Yerushalmi. “She combines passion, scholarship, and heart to elevate every student — whether they are discovering their first word in French or preparing for the AP Spanish Literature exam. We are thrilled to honor her with this recognition.”
Dr. Sullivan has become a statewide leader in multilingual instruction and teacher development. She currently serves as a World Languages Teacher on Special Assignment (ToSA), where she supports K–12 teachers in designing framework-aligned curriculum, analyzing data to inform instruction, and building inclusive, proficiency-driven programs across CUSD.
“Dr. Sullivan has been a passionate and innovative leader in developing CUSD’s world language pathways,” said Maria Simon, CUSD’s Public Information Officers. “We are proud to have her on our faculty and thrilled that she has been recognized by a statewide organization.”
Known for crafting engaging, culturally rich units that connect students to real-world issues, Sullivan has led students through projects such as ocean conservation conferences, ethical debates on AI, and reflections on migration and identity. She regularly brings in guest speakers from across the French-speaking world and integrates authentic materials into her curriculum. Her work consistently centers student voice, critical thinking, and global competence.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Sullivan is a certified leadership coach, an expert in professional learning design, and a frequent presenter at CLTA and at the yearly summer World Languages Seminar. She has played a leading role in implementing the Coronado district’s Pathway to Biliteracy awards, expanding the Seal of Biliteracy program, and providing access to CIEE summer study abroad scholarships for students.
A graduate of Princeton and the Stanford Teacher Education Master’s Program (STEP), Sullivan holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego and has been a member of CLTA since 2013.
The CLTA Teacher of the Year Award recognizes outstanding California World Language educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and service to the profession. Each year, CLTA honors one teacher whose work exemplifies the highest standards of language instruction and advocacy. Dr. Sullivan will now represent California in regional and national recognitions, including potential participation in the ACTFL Teacher of the Year process.
Her year of service will begin in early 2026 and will include professional learning presentations, mentorship, and state-level advocacy for world languages and multilingual learners.
Each year the Awards Committee chooses a truly extraordinary world language and culture educator who will participate in the Teacher of the Year program. The CLTA TOY first competes at the regional level at the Southwest Conference on Language Teaching (SWCOLT) which is held annually in one of the member states. The winner of the Regional Level goes on to the American Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) level, held at the annual ACTFL Convention & Expo at one of the member states. CLTA TOYs are self nominated from former and current Outstanding Teachers and Teacher Leaders, and others who demonstrate the qualities most likely to be recognized at the Regional and National levels. The winner must submit a professional portfolio, including video, and participate in a rigorous interview process on both levels.
2026 TOY applications are now closed.
The Teacher of the Year Resource Guide is now live on the Language Connects Foundation site and can be found here: Teacher of the Year Resource Guide -… | Language Connects Foundation.
In this guide you can find best practices, templates, and updates for the National Language Teacher of the Year process.