Longtime L-W North Spanish teacher honored

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Egnatz | Supplied Photo

Updated: February 23, 2012 8:00AM

Linda Egnatz, a teacher at Lincoln-Way North High School, has been singled out for her contributions to the structuring, stability and image of the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Egnatz, who teaches Spanish, received the President’s Award for Building ICTFL at the Fall Conference of the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages in Tinley Park. The award honors Illinois educators who distinguish themselves through service to ICTFL in organizational development.

Egnatz has taught Spanish for 30 years. She has brought various levels of Spanish and integrated technology to the curriculum. She also has led trips to Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay.

Next year, Egnatz will take students to Ecuador and Galapagos, where they will practice Spanish-speaking skills, compare and contrast the Ecuadorian and U.S. cultures, visit an international school, complete a community service project and learn about the conservation of marine resources and the impact tourism has on the preserve.

“My goal is to help students visualize language study as a complement to their future career goals and a door-opener to greater opportunities and salary possibilities,” Egnatz said. “This award was very meaningful because it represents not just my efforts, but ... the ... dedicated ICTFL members who are working together to serve foreign language teachers throughout Illinois.”

Besides her work with students, Egnatz has given sessions at ICTFL conferences, which she co-chaired in 2011 and will again in 2012. She also is the first vice president and webmaster.

“As an organization, we want to provide teachers with opportunities for professional development and with the resources needed to really help their students become not just familiar with a language’s vocabulary or grammar, but to be proficient users of the language in their everyday life,” Egnatz said.