About the Award
Named for the late Dr. James E. Alatis, a founding member of JNCL-NCLIS and
several other professional language associations, the James E. Alatis Founder’s
Award is bestowed on an occasional basis during Language Advocacy Days.
The award honors individuals whose lives, work, and advocacy have advanced
access to and expanded the benefits of language and international education.
Dr. James E. Alatis
2026 Recipient: Joy Peyton
JNCL-NCLIS proudly recognizes Joy Peyton for her extraordinary advocacy and lifelong contributions to advancing language and international education.
Through decades of leadership, scholarship, and policy engagement, Joy Peyton has helped strengthen language learning opportunities for students and educators across the United States. Her work has supported the development of equitable world language programs and elevated the importance of multilingualism in education and public policy.
Joy Peyton’s enduring dedication to language education and advocacy reflects the spirit and legacy of the James E. Alatis Founder’s Award.
The Inspiration
Dr. James “Jim” Alatis was a founding member of TESOL and served as its first Executive Director. He also enjoyed a distinguished career at Georgetown University for more than four decades.
At Georgetown, he served as Dean Emeritus of the School of Languages and Linguistics, Distinguished Professor of Linguistics and Modern Greek, Senior Advisor to the Dean of Georgetown College for International Language Programs and Research, and Director of the University’s Master’s in TESOL Program.
Throughout his career, Dr. Alatis published numerous books and scholarly articles, edited leading journals in the field, and presented at conferences around the world. His contributions earned him numerous honors and awards and helped shape the modern field of language education.
Selection Criteria
Nominations are considered based on the following:
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Lifetime achievement in language education, research and development, training, business, or related areas that promote the Language Enterprise
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Significant contributions that expand access to and strengthen language and international education
The Award Includes
Recipients receive:
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An award plaque inscribed with the recipient’s name and affiliation
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Complimentary registration to Language Advocacy Days
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One night of lodging at the event hotel
A spotlight profile on the JNCL-NCLIS website, including a photo and link to the recipient’s member organization
past recipients
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2025
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2024
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2023
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2022 - Dennis Looney, Association of Departments of Foreign Languages, Modern Language Association
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2021 – Phyllis Dragonas, Massachusetts Foreign Language Association
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2020 – Christine Schulze, Concordia Language Villages
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2019 – Martha G. Abbott, ACTFL
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2014 – Representative David Price (D-NC)