NECTFL: Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

The Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Robert M. Terry Wins ACTFL Florence Steiner Award for Leadership in Foreign Language Education, Postsecondary

The Board of Directors of the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages is delighted to announce that Dr. Robert M. Terry has been selected as the recipient of the 2004 ACTFL Florence Steiner Award for Leadership in Foreign Language Education, Postsecondary. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Terry for six major characteristics of his leadership: his publications and presentations of important concepts and ideas in foreign language teaching and learning; his broad expertise as a teacher and a scholar; his continuing participation and influence in teaching and professional development; his selfless dedication to foreign languages and foreign language professionals; and his contributions and mentorship as an editor for a number of major professional publications.

Dr. Terry is a Professor of French at the University of Richmond, where he holds the William Judson Gaines Chair in Modern Foreign Languages. He is well known throughout the country, and is held in high esteem by those who know him and whose professional lives he has touched.

The following remarks reflect the tone of the letters received in support of Bob�s nomination:

�He has given us a lifetime of leadership and a model to which all of us can only aspire.�

�I can think of very few others in the profession who have done as much to advance our cause, both in front of and behind the proverbial scenes.�

�I sincerely doubt that anyone could be more worthy than Robert Terry for the Florence Steiner Award. I knew her, too, and Bob lives up to the model she created and conveyed.�

�His involvement with such national organizations as ACTFL, AATF, CALICO, IALL and regional organizations such as the Northeast Conference and the Southern Conference on Language Teaching, his contributions to the proficiency and standards movements, his consultancy from Vermont to Virginia, from Pennsylvania to Texas and California, his work from French linguistics to foreign language curricula and their assessment, from culture to technology�all add up to a rich tapestry of dedication, intellectual integrity, and a passion for excellence, evidenced by the many awards and recognitions he has received.�

�Despite the many roles he plays in our field and the many contributions he has made, Bob is one of the rare individuals who, when you call upon him, creates the impression that he was simply waiting for you to ask!�

�Bob leads by example. � [He] has shared his insights, his knowledge, his know-how and his wit through numerous workshops, concurrent sessions and keynote addresses at foreign language conferences across this nation�and beyond�for several decades.�

�In his kind manner, Bob brings out the best in all of us as writers and professionals.�

�I believe that Bob Terry works in the true spirit of Florence Steiner. His goal is not self recognition, but the good of the profession.�

In summary, Bob is a person whose professional commitment and work ethic has those characteristics that one expects from a leader. His involvement at all levels�local, state, regional, national and international�mark him as a true leader among his peers, and an excellent representative for our profession wherever he goes. It is with great pride that NECTFL recognizes Dr. Robert M. Terry as the recipient of the ACTFL Florence Steiner Award for Leadership in Foreign Language Education, Post-Secondary.