Watch the award video

Melba D. Woodruff Award for Exemplary Elementary World Language Program

Melba D. Woodruff was a classroom teacher for over 40 years and it was in the classroom where she had her most profound impact. She encouraged her students to do their best, dream their dreams, and work hard to fulfill them. For many of her students Woodruff was more than their professor, she became their mentor and friend. In addition, Woodruff was a leader of the profession as an author and officer of many professional organizations. In recognition of Woodruff’s dedication to the profession, this award was established in 2004 with funds from a series of national conferences on world language acquisition by children donated by Dr. Michael Evans and Dr. Rosemarie Benya to recognize an exemplary K-6 world language program. 

ACTFL Press Release: https://www.actfl.org/news/achievement-in-language-education

NNELL Press Release: https://mailchi.mp/nnell.org/nnell-january-2026-e-newsletter-6745984