2026
Idaho Language Teacher of the Year
Sierra Atkins
Spanish Teacher
Les Bois Junior High
Spanish Teacher
Les Bois Junior High
The Idaho Association of Teachers of Language and Culture Names Sierra Atkins as Idaho State Language Teacher of the Year
Boise, Idaho – The Idaho Association of Teachers of Language and Culture (IATLC) is proud to announce that Sierra Atkins, a dedicated Spanish teacher at Les Bois Junior High School in the Boise School District, has been selected as the Idaho Language Teacher of the Year for 2026. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and service to language education in Idaho.
Sierra Atkins has been teaching Spanish since 2005 and brings a deep passion for language and culture to her classroom. Originally from Bend, Oregon, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Boise State University and her master’s degree in Teacher Education from Eastern Oregon University. Her global experiences studying abroad in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, as well as traveling extensively in Mexico, inform her culturally rich and engaging instruction. Through authentic cultural exploration, Sierra helps students connect language learning to the real world, fostering curiosity, empathy, and global awareness.
Her nomination drew overwhelming support from administrators, colleagues, students, parents, and community members. One administrator described her as “an engaged, enthusiastic, and innovative teacher whose classroom feels like stepping into another country,” noting that students take ownership of their learning because it is meaningful and joyful. Colleagues highlighted her long-standing leadership at the school, district, and state levels, as well as her commitment to professional growth and collaboration.
Former students and families shared how Sierra’s impact extends far beyond language acquisition. One former student reflected that her class had a “huge impact” on their identity and love of Spanish, while another supporter shared that “this is not just a job for her—it is her purpose.” Many praised her ability to build strong relationships with students, mentor future educators, and inspire a lifelong appreciation for language and culture.
In addition to her classroom teaching, Sierra Atkins has been a mentor teacher for pre-service Spanish educators for over a decade, partnering closely with Boise State University’s Department of World Languages. She has also served on the IATLC Board, led professional development cohorts, and contributed to statewide training in communicative language teaching, Integrated Performance Assessments, and technology integration.
"IATLC is incredibly proud to name Sierra Atkins as this year's Idaho Language Teacher of the Year," shares Brittney Gehrig, IATLC President. "Her influence stretches far beyond the junior high Spanish classroom, shaping the future of language learning in Idaho. This award is a testament to her excellence, and we are excited to honor her achievements."
As Idaho’s Language Teacher of the Year, Sierra Atkins will represent the state at the Pacific Northwest Council for Languages (PNCFL) regional conference.
Boise, Idaho – The Idaho Association of Teachers of Language and Culture (IATLC) is proud to announce that Sierra Atkins, a dedicated Spanish teacher at Les Bois Junior High School in the Boise School District, has been selected as the Idaho Language Teacher of the Year for 2026. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and service to language education in Idaho.
Sierra Atkins has been teaching Spanish since 2005 and brings a deep passion for language and culture to her classroom. Originally from Bend, Oregon, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Boise State University and her master’s degree in Teacher Education from Eastern Oregon University. Her global experiences studying abroad in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, as well as traveling extensively in Mexico, inform her culturally rich and engaging instruction. Through authentic cultural exploration, Sierra helps students connect language learning to the real world, fostering curiosity, empathy, and global awareness.
Her nomination drew overwhelming support from administrators, colleagues, students, parents, and community members. One administrator described her as “an engaged, enthusiastic, and innovative teacher whose classroom feels like stepping into another country,” noting that students take ownership of their learning because it is meaningful and joyful. Colleagues highlighted her long-standing leadership at the school, district, and state levels, as well as her commitment to professional growth and collaboration.
Former students and families shared how Sierra’s impact extends far beyond language acquisition. One former student reflected that her class had a “huge impact” on their identity and love of Spanish, while another supporter shared that “this is not just a job for her—it is her purpose.” Many praised her ability to build strong relationships with students, mentor future educators, and inspire a lifelong appreciation for language and culture.
In addition to her classroom teaching, Sierra Atkins has been a mentor teacher for pre-service Spanish educators for over a decade, partnering closely with Boise State University’s Department of World Languages. She has also served on the IATLC Board, led professional development cohorts, and contributed to statewide training in communicative language teaching, Integrated Performance Assessments, and technology integration.
"IATLC is incredibly proud to name Sierra Atkins as this year's Idaho Language Teacher of the Year," shares Brittney Gehrig, IATLC President. "Her influence stretches far beyond the junior high Spanish classroom, shaping the future of language learning in Idaho. This award is a testament to her excellence, and we are excited to honor her achievements."
As Idaho’s Language Teacher of the Year, Sierra Atkins will represent the state at the Pacific Northwest Council for Languages (PNCFL) regional conference.