Professor Teresa Bell was recognized for her work with German teaching majors at BYU.
Many students who have worked with Professor Teresa Bell (German, Second Language Acquisition) have found not just a faculty member but also a friend. Bell’s dedication to mentoring future language educators fuels her work at BYU, and her efforts have not gone unnoticed. On November 21, 2025, she received the Anthony Papalia Award for Excellence in Teacher Education, highlighting her deep devotion to students, colleagues, and the work of education itself.
Inside the Ceremony
Bell received the award at the 2025 American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Annual Convention and World Languages Expo, one of the most prestigious annual programs recognizing contributions to the language education field. The Anthony Papalia award recognizes a world language educator who has made notable contributions to support the continuing education of teachers and students. Nominees are selected for their impact on current and future professionals, their service, and their research achievements.
Bell has been recognized by ACTFL before, but she considers receiving this award to be one of the defining moments of her career. “It was a little bit surreal,” Bell says, describing the event. “I was just really grateful that I could be part of something like that.”
Sherwin Little, chair of the selection committee, introduced Bell at the award ceremony, saying, “In her work with future educators, Dr. Bell shows that mentoring means more than teaching methods—it’s about cultivating the mindset of a professional.” Little noted that Bell has doubled the number of students in the German teaching major at BYU, adding that “through her vision, leadership, and dedication, Dr. Bell has advanced the field of world language education and inspired both her students and colleagues across the profession.”
During her acceptance speech, Bell shared the story of one of her German teaching majors, who, in their last week of student teaching, said to Bell, “I finally understand—teaching is about connecting with students in ways that truly make a difference.” Bell reflected on the student’s words, saying they reminded her of the true meaning behind her work. “Teaching is about reaching individual students, not just conjugating verbs.”
A Profession with Purpose
Bell has been at BYU for over 12 years, and currently serves as a professor, student teaching supervisor, and student advisor for the German teaching major. Her work always points back to helping her students and preparing them for their careers as language teachers. She hopes to create a bridge that helps state and department leadership support educators who can then support students. For Bell, the award affirms that while there is still more she hopes to accomplish through research and supporting new students, the work she has already done to build the German teaching major is in fact making a difference. “At its heart, language teaching is about connection—about helping people see the world through someone else’s eyes. And our world needs that now, more than ever.”
Learn more about the Anthony Papalia Award here.