February 2012

Presented to an individual or organization outside the German teaching profession, as well as to a German educator.  Each award recognizes outstanding support for and promotion of German and the study of German at the local, regional, or national level. Up to two awards will be given annually.

Individuals or organizations outside the German teaching profession nominated for the award must demonstrate exemplary leadership at the local, regional, or national level in the advocacy of German and German language education.

The Goethe-Institut/AATG Certificate of Merit honors those who have demonstrated achievement in furthering the teaching of German in the US. 

German teachers may be recognized for

• Outstanding teaching
• Creative and successful activities promoting German
• Innovative curriculum and successful course design
• Successful interdisciplinary cooperation
• Significant contributions to the profession

The dossier should include:

This award recognizes up-and-coming German teachers, who may have received local recognition, but may not have received other accolades. Candidates may have started a new program or revitalized an existing one, should be considered outstanding teachers, and contribute to their local AATG chapter. 

2011
Dirk Nowitzki
Kerstin Hopkins

2010
Bayer Corporation (Western Pennsylvania)
Maureen Helinski

2009
Birgit Schafer
Eric Braeden

2008
Gisela Hoecherl-Alden
Terry Smith

2007
Gordon and Rigmor Anke
Marlene Stocks

2006
Barbara Patten

2005
Christiane Frederickson
German Society of Maryland

This award recipient is selected from nominees for other AATG awards. Supported by Intercultural Student Experiences (ISE).

Previous recipients

2011
Wendy Brennan
Margaret Hampton
Nella Spurlin

2010
Joan Keck Campbell
Robert Di Donato

2009
Corinna Freimann Cavanaugh
Mohamed Esa
Juan Carlos Morales

2008
Randall Jones
Evelyn Saucier

2007
Ester Eichler
Suzanne Schaudel
Donna Van Handle

2006
Albrecht Classen
Beth Smith