The Teacher Leader of the Year award is given to a teacher who has exhibited exceptional leadership in support of ELL education. This is someone who steps outside of their normal classroom responsibilities to support their colleagues, provide professional learning opportunities, and bring awareness to others about best practices to support ELL students.

The 2026 Teacher Leader of the Year awardee is Susan Sokolowski, an ENL teacher at Maryvale High School. Mrs. Susan Sokolowski is an exceptional educator and leader whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. As ENL Department Coordinator at Maryvale High School, she demonstrates unwavering advocacy for English Language Learners, a deep commitment to student success, and a collaborative, solution-oriented approach to leadership. Mrs. Sokolowski is known for her professionalism, compassion, and ability to build meaningful connections with students, families, and colleagues, often serving as a welcoming and trusted first point of contact for new members of the school community. Through her leadership in instructional initiatives, professional learning, and student support systems, she consistently elevates those around her and ensures that all students have the opportunity to thrive.

The ELL Advocate of the Year award is given to a staff member who has engaged in meaningful advocacy work on behalf of English language learners. This can include work in the local community and any impact on changes in a local school district and beyond. The intention is to recognize advocacy efforts that have a significant impact, but might not otherwise be known or receive attention.

The 2026 ELL Advocate of the Year awardee is Beth Taylor, an ENL teacher at Amherst Middle School. Beth Taylor is a dedicated educator and community advocate with over 30 years of experience at Amherst Middle School. Her support extends far beyond the classroom, where she regularly helps families navigate essential family services to ensure a welcoming introduction to the school system. Having built decades of deep trust within the community, Beth is uniquely skilled at fostering a true sense of belonging, and guiding students and their families through complex challenges. Most recently, she developed a specialized foundational literacy curriculum that balances language acquisition with special education needs. As a vital anchor for her peers, Beth advocates for a human-centered approach, reminding colleagues to focus on the student in front of them. She works tirelessly to ensure that language is never a barrier to opportunity. Beth has decided to retire this year to pursue her passion for travel and immerse herself in cultures around the world. While we will miss her deeply, we wish her the absolute best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.

Andrea Cooke is the recipient of the 2026 RBERN West Legacy Award. The legacy award is given to an individual who embodies the highest level of achievement, demonstrating exemplary teaching, leadership, and collegiality.  An Instructional Coach in the Salamanca City School District, Native American Curriculum Team (NACT). Andrea’s commitment to ensuring the next generation of Haudenosaunee children learn their language and culture has been a driving force in her life. Currently, she is a member of the New York State Education Department, Indigenous Language Steering Committee. She is formally trained in the Montessori method and in her career has taught both children and adults. Andrea is the recipient of the NAIEA/NY 2023 William “Buster” Mitchell Educator of the Year Award, along with being recognized with her NACT colleagues in Salamanca with the 2023 National Indian Education Association (NIEA) William Demmert Cultural Freedom Award. This award-winning educator has more than 40 years of experience teaching students. In addition, Andrea is well-known for her commitment to fellow educators. For example, for the last three years, she has served as lead facilitator for the Teachers of Indigenous Language Forum (TILF), which is the curriculum and instruction committee of the Western New York - Indigenous Education Advocacy Network (IEAN). Her inexhaustible energy and extraordinary leadership have guided many teachers and administrators with the important work of supporting the achievement of Indigenous students in K-12 settings without sacrificing their heritage language and culture.