Teacher of the Year to assist Department’s global education efforts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, August 18, 2006
CONTACTS:
Amber McGowan, 317-232-6615
Mary Jane Michalak, 317-232-6616

Indiana’s 2006 Teacher of the Year, Louisa LaGrotto, joins the Indiana Department of Education this week as Teacher in Residence. In this position, LaGrotto is collaborating with the Department to create a more global focus in Indiana’s world language programs.

LaGrotto, in conjunction with the Department’s new Coordinator of World Languages Adriana Melnyk and Coordinator of International Education Caterina Cregor Blitzer, is working on various initiatives related to global education and world language advocacy. The initiatives include revising world languages standards, increasing international teacher exchanges and executing liaison work with professional organizations dedicated to the promotion of world language studies.

"Learning a world language plays a crucial role in today's global economy," Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed said. "As one of Indiana’s best and brightest teachers, Louisa will bring a crucial voice from the classroom as we work to expand these opportunities for our students.”

LaGrotto, a Spanish teacher at Westlane Middle School of the MSD of Washington Township in Indianapolis, received the Teacher in Residence sabbatical award for being the Indiana Teacher of the Year. Her sabbatical began Monday and will last until May 31, 2007.

“I chose this position because of the excellent opportunities to increase public awareness of world language education via a variety of educational partnerships in the public and private sectors of Indiana businesses and state government,” LaGrotto said.

She also recently received the Right Stuff Award for her leadership and communication skills at International Space Camp, as a part of the State Teachers of the Year programming in leadership training.

For more information on Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, visit www.doe.in.gov/toy.