Teacher of the Year
The 2019 MALT Teacher of the Year, and our nominee for PNCFL Teacher of the Year, is Kristen Wolf.
Kristen ND Wolf (@LaLobaLista) is a dynamic educator and presenter. Her background as a Montessori & Spanish teacher has led her to understand the process of language acquisition and human development in truly meaningful ways. Kristen enjoys creating a community with her classes. La Loba Lista’s (the ready/ clever Wolf) teaching style is engaging, story based and supported by current language acquisition research (comprehensible input). Kristen recently earned the distinction of Montana Language Teacher of the Year for 2019. She is blessed with two children and a very supportive husband, as well as three dogs. Kristen loves getting outside and enjoying the beauty of Montana and its vibrant communities. She has travelled extensively and lived in Spain. Kristen completed her curriculum and instruction master’s degree at MSU in 2015. She encourages you to come participate in or observe a class!!
Kristen ND Wolf (@LaLobaLista) is a dynamic educator and presenter. Her background as a Montessori & Spanish teacher has led her to understand the process of language acquisition and human development in truly meaningful ways. Kristen enjoys creating a community with her classes. La Loba Lista’s (the ready/ clever Wolf) teaching style is engaging, story based and supported by current language acquisition research (comprehensible input). Kristen recently earned the distinction of Montana Language Teacher of the Year for 2019. She is blessed with two children and a very supportive husband, as well as three dogs. Kristen loves getting outside and enjoying the beauty of Montana and its vibrant communities. She has travelled extensively and lived in Spain. Kristen completed her curriculum and instruction master’s degree at MSU in 2015. She encourages you to come participate in or observe a class!!
Outstanding Contributions Award
Sara Buley is the winner of the 2019 Outstanding Contributions Award.
As I look back on my 30 years of teaching, I can say that it was a fantastic career. I started out in Southern California, teaching Spanish and History to high school students. I also spent two years in an elementary school in San Diego teaching bilingual first and third grade. Here I learned the unique version of Spanglish as well as connected with some very young people who had challenges and excitement.
I moved to Great Falls in 1991 with my husband and daughter. My husband, Jim, got a transfer from Social Security Administration, and I applied to Great Falls Public Schools where I have been ever since until my retirement last June. I was fortunate to be hired right away, and taught ninth grade social studies and then Spanish two years into it. I had the same classroom for 25 years…my home away from home! I taught levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 throughout those years. It was sometimes challenging but always rewarding. I always strove to try different methods, create new lessons and use new technology. But most importantly, I listened to and learned from my students. What wonderful, creative and inspiring young people they have been!Some of my favorite times are when I traveled with students. I loved being with them as they experienced new places, met new people and spoke Spanish. Over the years, I organized and went on six trips: to Spain twice, Mexico, Peru and Bolivia, Puerto Rico, and Nicaragua and Costa Rica. I also traveled with an adult tour group to Cuba in 2012. It was eye-opening to learn about the “other side” of the situation that the U.S. has with Cuba. I found the people to be so friendly and anxious to share. My group and I had a lot of freedom to move around and visit many places.My last year of teaching was filled with many joys and terrific students. Now that I have been retired for 7 months, which I am enjoying immensely, I think about what students and teachers might be doing in class and I admit that I miss it sometimes. But now I am looking forward to more travels and time with great friends!
As I look back on my 30 years of teaching, I can say that it was a fantastic career. I started out in Southern California, teaching Spanish and History to high school students. I also spent two years in an elementary school in San Diego teaching bilingual first and third grade. Here I learned the unique version of Spanglish as well as connected with some very young people who had challenges and excitement.
I moved to Great Falls in 1991 with my husband and daughter. My husband, Jim, got a transfer from Social Security Administration, and I applied to Great Falls Public Schools where I have been ever since until my retirement last June. I was fortunate to be hired right away, and taught ninth grade social studies and then Spanish two years into it. I had the same classroom for 25 years…my home away from home! I taught levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 throughout those years. It was sometimes challenging but always rewarding. I always strove to try different methods, create new lessons and use new technology. But most importantly, I listened to and learned from my students. What wonderful, creative and inspiring young people they have been!Some of my favorite times are when I traveled with students. I loved being with them as they experienced new places, met new people and spoke Spanish. Over the years, I organized and went on six trips: to Spain twice, Mexico, Peru and Bolivia, Puerto Rico, and Nicaragua and Costa Rica. I also traveled with an adult tour group to Cuba in 2012. It was eye-opening to learn about the “other side” of the situation that the U.S. has with Cuba. I found the people to be so friendly and anxious to share. My group and I had a lot of freedom to move around and visit many places.My last year of teaching was filled with many joys and terrific students. Now that I have been retired for 7 months, which I am enjoying immensely, I think about what students and teachers might be doing in class and I admit that I miss it sometimes. But now I am looking forward to more travels and time with great friends!
History Of MALT Awards
- 2018 Teacher of the Year- Kerri Hiatt, Spanish Teacher at both Belt and Highwood Schools
- 2018 Outstanding Contributions- Lynette Pottenger, Spanish Teacher in Fort Benton
- 2017 Teacher of the Year- Erika Shupe, Latin Teacher at Bozeman H. S. and MT Digital Academy
- 2017 Outstanding Contributions- Debbie Kelley, French & Spanish at Billings Skyview H. S. Debbie also won the regional Outstanding Contributions Award for 2017
LILL Participants
- Megan Hambrick 2017-2018 French Teacher Bozeman H. S. Platform-Seal of Biliteracy
MALT Awards Information
MALT offers three annual awards in coordination with the Pacific Northwest Council for Languages:
- MALT Language Teacher of the Year (becomes state nominee for PNCFL's Northwest LanguageTeacher of the Year)
- MALT Postsecondary Teacher of the Year (becomes state nominee for PNCFL's Ray Verzasconi Northwest Postsecondary Teacher of the Year)
- MALT Outstanding Contributions to the Teaching of World Languages (becomes state nominee for PNCFL's Outstanding Contributions to the Teaching of World Languages in the Pacific Northwest)
Please see the PNCFL website under "Awards and Grants" for more information and eligibility criteria for each award.
Also check out the ACTFL Professional Awards for further language education award opportunities.
