Mariah Wailes—2018 Nebraska New World Language Teacher of the Year

Background

The Nebraska International Languages Association named Spanish teacher Mariah Wailes from Lincoln High School its 2018 New World Language Teacher of the Year. Wailes is in her second year of teaching at Lincoln High. The Nebraska International Languages Association is a professional organization dedicated to the support and promotion of the teaching of languages in the state of Nebraska. Anyone who is actively engaged in the teaching of a world language at any level of education in Nebraska is eligible for membership. The organization annually recognizes outstanding Nebraska educators and supporters of world language education at its fall conference.

Explanation

The Nebraska International Languages Association named Spanish teacher Mariah Wailes from Lincoln High School its 2018 New World Language Teacher of the Year. Wailes is in her second year of teaching at Lincoln High.

Janet Eckerson, chair of the World Languages Department at Lincoln High, said this about Wailes in her nomination letter for the award:

“She is a great collaborator with the teachers in our department and always willing to try a new idea. I have no doubt that she will continue to seek out opportunities to grow as a practitioner and expand her language proficiency. Mariah is enthusiastic, open-minded, thoughtful and always seeking ideas to improve her teaching. She’s everything you hope for in a new teacher; she takes initiative to address problems, imagines new possibilities for lessons and reflects thoughtfully on her work.”

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Mariah Wailes from Lincoln High School has been named the 2018 New World Language Teacher of the Year by the Nebraska International Languages Association; and

WHEREAS, Mariah Wailes has already established herself as a valued colleague and creative teacher during her time at Lincoln High School; and

WHEREAS, Mariah Wailes creates a positive culture of interaction with her students through a combination of humor, patience and mutual respect; and

WHEREAS, Mariah Wailes has numerous strengths as a teacher that she will undoubtedly continue to develop throughout her career.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education

does hereby congratulate Mariah Wailes for being named the 2018 New World Language Teacher of the Year by the Nebraska International Languages Association.

Updated November 14, 2019