Deborah Varga, OWLA President 2025-2026
Spanish Teacher, McKinley Senior High School

I am writing this article as a letter of appreciation and gratitude for all of you who dedicate yourselves to continual professional development throughout your careers. Additionally, I am so lucky to be in a profession where I can use the skills that I teach my students in “the real world.”  

Over the years I have always wanted to pay forward all that this organization has given me as I have navigated my 31 years as a Spanish teacher in our state: lesson activities, innovative teaching styles, new technologies, empowering colleagues, global opportunities, and, most importantly, friendships.  I would not be writing this if it wasn’t for those of you who have been on this journey with me, and that is what I am most grateful for. I also reflect on so many amazing members of our organization that have passed on but are still in my memory, as they continue to be an inspiration to me for all they taught me during the many different stages of my career.

Please remember that wherever you are on your world language educator journey, you are exactly where you are meant to be. Encourage one another and be there for colleagues who need that extra boost, especially this time of year.  If you are the only language educator in your building or even your district, please know that we are here for you and will do our best to create the best PD opportunities possible.  

Continue to advocate for world language education programming and be there for your students the best ways that you can, even when there may be times when you are not sure if an activity is successful or not. Just know that you have done your best, and keep moving forward the best that you can.  

I sincerely hope that you will consider becoming a part of OWLA’s Executive Board in the future, as it provides excellent opportunities in world language educator leadership. Continue to watch for announcements about upcoming OWLA events next year.  

Thank you again for your dedication to our profession, and have a great summer break!