Indianapolis, Indiana – Two teachers from Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) were honored this month for their outstanding contributions to world language education. The recognition came during the Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association (IFLTA) Fall Conference, held on Saturday, November 8 in Indianapolis, where educators from across the state gathered to share best practices and celebrate excellence in teaching.
Michiko Owaki, Japanese language teacher at Bloomington High School North, received the 2025 Rising Star Award from the Association of Indiana Teachers of Japanese. The award acknowledges her innovative teaching methods and dedication to student engagement in the classroom. Owaki, who has gained a reputation for creating dynamic and interactive lessons, also presented at the conference on the topic “Bringing Comprehensible Input Instruction into the Japanese Classroom.” In her session, she showcased techniques that immerse students in material slightly beyond their current comprehension, allowing them to grow in confidence while building vocabulary.
“The most important thing I can do as a teacher is to cultivate the love of learning, and to foster a community in each of my class, where students feel safe, fun, and supported for their learning,” said Owaki. “Students learn best when they are intrinsically motivated, participating in activities out of sheer enjoyment and interest.” Her presentation provided colleagues with practical strategies to engage students in meaningful, student-centered learning that emphasizes both understanding and enjoyment.
Hongzhi Wang, Chinese language teacher at Bloomington High School North and Jackson Creek Middle School, was recognized with the Tom Alsop Distinguished World Language Publication Award. Wang has been a prolific contributor to the field of world language education, publishing resources that extend learning beyond the classroom. Her bilingual children’s book, A Kaleidoscope of Chinese Ethnic Groups, was featured in the anthology Multilingual Funds of Knowledge Stories, highlighting her commitment to creating educational materials that celebrate cultural diversity and promote multilingual literacy.
Later this month, Wang will co-present on “Multilingual Parents as Authors and Global Curricula Creators” at the Indiana Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages conference in Indianapolis. She has also shared a Chinese language lesson plan as an Open Educational Resource through her participation in the 2023 Indiana University World Language Festival Virtual Academy, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to accessible and innovative language education.
“Congratulations to Michiko Owaki and Hongzhi Wang on their recognition. Their engaging, student-centered lessons help students truly enjoy learning, and this award reflects their dedication to the classroom,” said MCCSC Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston. The superintendent emphasized that the achievements of both teachers underscore the district’s focus on providing high-quality, inspiring instruction across all subjects.
The recognition of Owaki and Wang highlights the importance of creative and culturally responsive teaching methods in world language education. Owaki’s work with the Comprehensible Input method encourages students to engage with language in meaningful ways, while Wang’s publications and presentations provide educators with resources to foster global awareness and multilingual competency. Together, they exemplify how teachers can cultivate curiosity, competence, and confidence in students learning a new language.
By participating in state and national conferences, both teachers also serve as ambassadors for MCCSC, demonstrating the district’s commitment to professional growth and educational excellence. Their accomplishments reflect a broader trend in education where teachers are recognized not only for classroom instruction but also for contributing to the wider educational community through research, publications, and conference presentations.
For students, the work of Owaki and Wang provides more than just academic growth. It fosters an appreciation for different cultures and languages, encourages intrinsic motivation, and helps develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom. These awards celebrate educators who are shaping not just proficient language learners, but globally aware, culturally sensitive, and confident students prepared to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
The IFLTA Fall Conference provided a platform to honor these achievements, connecting educators who are pushing the boundaries of world language instruction while sharing strategies and resources. For MCCSC, the recognition of Michiko Owaki and Hongzhi Wang serves as a reminder of the impact dedicated teachers have on students, colleagues, and the larger educational community.
