The 2025 Award for Excellence in Teaching at the K-12 Level is presented to two exceptional educators:
Edythe Malara-Lutjen demonstrates incredible creativity, high expectations, and unwavering commitment to student belonging in her Latin teaching. Since joining Shaker High School in 2017, she has transformed a part-time Latin position into a thriving full-time program, inspiring students through innovative, inclusive, and emotionally resonant pedagogy. Her classroom is a joyful, collaborative space where learners feel supported, empowered, and deeply connected to the ancient world. Edythe’s teaching blends intellectual curiosity with culturally responsive practice. She pairs classical texts with modern music and material culture, designs multisensory and experiential lessons, and creates opportunities for students of all learning styles to see themselves reflected in Classics. Beyond the classroom, she expands access to Classics through museum visits, film outings, and international study tours, while mentoring students whose admiration for her endures well beyond graduation. A dedicated scholar-teacher, Edythe presents her pedagogical work at regional, national, and international conferences and continually seeks opportunities for professional growth. Her peers and students alike describe her as inspiring, compassionate, and visionary. The Society for Classical Studies is very pleased to grant this award for K-12 Teaching Excellence to Edythe Malara-Lutjen for her impressive and effective pedagogy.
Cristina Procaccino is an exceptional Latin educator whose 13-year career embodies innovation, inclusivity, and an unwavering belief that Latin is for everyone. Since joining Thomas Alva Edison High School, she has built a vibrant, community-centered Latin program that empowers learners from all backgrounds, including students with disabilities, English language learners, and those from financially disadvantaged communities. Cristina revitalized a program once at risk of being eliminated, nearly doubling enrollment and expanding International Baccalaureate Latin from 7 students to 50, a testament to the culture of achievement and belonging she cultivates. Through mentorship systems and differentiated, interest-driven assessments, Cristina ensures that every student can succeed and see themselves reflected in the ancient world, even establishing a thriving middle school mythology and classics outreach program. Moreover, she leads community-building events and supports students in competitions, extracurriculars, and literacy. She regularly presents at state and national conferences, develops district curriculum, and promotes the study of all languages at her school while also pursuing her doctorate degree at George Mason University. The Society for Classical Studies is very pleased to grant this award for K-12 Teaching Excellence to Cristina Procaccino for her commitment to our discipline and to her students.
