GPS Educators Honored for Statewide World Language Excellence, Recognized at GPS Governing Board Meeting

Four Gilbert Public Schools educators and program leaders were recognized at the GPS Governing Board on September 29 for their honors at the annual Arizona Language Association (AzLA) Fall Conference. 

Gilbert Elementary kindergarten Dual Language Immersion (DLI) teacher Vanessa Molina earned the Outstanding World Language Teacher at the Elementary Level award, while Japanese teacher Dora Wagener was named Outstanding World Language Teacher at the Secondary Level for her work at Mesquite High School and Campo Verde High School. GPS World Languages Coordinator Melanie Mello and Gilbert Elementary Instructional Coach Stacie Lindsey were also celebrated for presenting DLI strategies to educators across Arizona at the AzLA Fall Conference.

GPS supports world language education with structured curriculum coordination and peer collaboration. District program leaders work directly alongside classroom teachers to develop consistent literacy models and integrate oral language development across grade levels. Staff members regularly share these practical strategies statewide to help support language programs in other Arizona communities.

"It is an absolute privilege to recognize our exceptional world language educators, whose dedication and passion create meaningful learning experiences that open new doors for our students every single day,” shared Dr. Jared Ryan, Superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools.

Statewide Recognition Details

• Outstanding World Language Teacher (Elementary Level): Vanessa Molina, Kindergarten DLI Teacher at Gilbert Elementary School.
• Outstanding World Language Teacher (Secondary Level): Dora Wagener, Japanese Educator at Mesquite High School and Campo Verde High School.
• Statewide Conference Presenters: Melanie Mello (7–12 World Languages & DLI Coordinator) and Stacie Lindsey (Gilbert Elementary).
• Statewide Award Criteria: Award candidates must teach full-time, have at least four years of teaching experience, hold active AzLA membership, and receive nominations from colleagues or supervisors.

These recognitions reflect the care and dedication GPS educators bring to their classrooms every day to help students succeed. Learn more about dual language immersion and world language offerings, including diploma seals, at GilbertSchools.net/Teaching-Learning/Academic-Programs.