Kelly Karstrand Honored as ‘Foreign Language Teacher Of The Year’
A Legacy of Excellence in Foreign Language Education
PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — Kelly Karstrand, a French teacher at Shepard High School, has been honored as the 2025 Teacher of the Year by the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ICTFL). This prestigious recognition was announced during an awards ceremony held on October 9 at the Northern Illinois University Naperville Campus. The event celebrated educators who have made significant contributions to world language education.
Karstrand’s selection was based on her creativity, passion, and dedication to teaching foreign languages. The ICTFL Awards Committee highlighted her commitment to lifelong learning and her substantial impact on the field. In the award notification, the committee stated, “Equally impressive was the impact [Karstrand has] had on novice teachers. [Her] mentorship and encouragement serve as a model for how to strengthen and sustain the future of our profession.”
A Career Built on Global Vision
With nearly three decades of experience in education, Karstrand has consistently focused on preparing students to be global citizens. Her work includes leading district-wide curriculum overhauls that emphasize authentic cultural materials. She has also played a key role in establishing the Seal of Biliteracy program, which recognizes students for their language skills.
In addition to her classroom work, Karstrand has shared her expertise nationally. She has presented at various conferences on global education, contributing to the broader conversation about the importance of language learning in today’s interconnected world.
Recognition from the Shepard Community
Dr. Tim Baker, principal of Shepard High School, expressed his pride in Karstrand’s achievement. “The entire Shepard community is absolutely thrilled to celebrate Mrs. Karstrand being named ‘Teacher of the Year’ by the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages,” he said in a news release. “Her passion for foreign language education is infectious, and her dedication to our students is unparalleled. This is a tremendous honor, and we are incredibly fortunate to have a teacher of her caliber in our foreign language program.”
Embracing the Power of Language
At the awards ceremony, Karstrand reflected on her core belief in the transformative power of language education. “I am deeply honored by this recognition,” she said. “My singular goal has always been to pass that spark on to my students. I firmly believe that learning a new language and developing cultural competence is not a luxury, but a necessity for every single learner. We are not just teaching subjects; we are building bridges to the future.”
Representing Illinois on a National Stage
As the ICTFL Teacher of the Year, Karstrand will represent Illinois at the Central States Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages in March. There, she will compete against educators from 13 other central states to become the nominee for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
This opportunity underscores the significance of her work and the respect she has earned within the educational community. Karstrand’s journey reflects a deep commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and preparing students for a globalized world.
Continuing the Mission
Karstrand’s career is a testament to the value of perseverance, innovation, and mentorship in education. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, inspiring both students and fellow educators. As she continues her work, her legacy will undoubtedly shape the future of foreign language education in Illinois and beyond.
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