Katheelyn Montes Named IWLA Teacher of Promise

Katheelyn Montes, a Spanish teacher at Waukee Northwest High School, was named a “Teacher of Promise” by the Iowa World Language Association (IWLA). Montes accepted the distinguished award at the IWLA 2024 Fall Conference in early October.

“The IWLA Teacher of Promise award means a lot to me because it affirms that I am on the right track. It motivates me to keep striving toward being the best language teacher I can be, knowing that my efforts are making a positive impact,” Montes says.

According to the IWLA, the Teacher of Promise award is given to new teachers who show “exceptional promise and potential to become outstanding world language educators.” In addition to being recognized at the annual IWLA conference, the winner receives an honorary plaque, paid registration for the following year’s conference, and a $100 stipend for educational materials.

Montes was nominated by Waukee High School teacher Christine McCormick. “I feel very grateful to have the chance to work with colleagues like Christine who inspire me and remind me that teaching a language is so much more than just learning how to speak or write — it’s about making connections to a different culture and appreciating the unique differences that everyone has,” Montes says.

Montes graduated from the University of Iowa in 2023 and is in her second year of teaching at Waukee Community School District. She says the award made her feel happy and “validated that teaching is what I am supposed to do.”

“I really appreciate being part of Waukee CSD,” Montes says. “I love seeing the wide range of opportunities available to students, and helping them discover their paths beyond high school.”