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. 

2025 TOY applications are now closed. The 2026 application will be posted after March 2025.