One University of West Georgia professor will be recognized by the Foreign Language Association of Georgia at its 2014 FLAG conference, held March 7-18. UWG professor Jeffrey Zamostny will be awarded the FLAG 2014 Teacher of Promise for K-12 and Post-Secondary Education. This award recognizes teachers in their first, second or third year of teaching who show the promise to be an outstanding teacher and leader in foreign language education.
“I am thrilled to receive the FLAG Teacher of Promise Award,” said Zamostny. “It has really helped me reflect on the strategies that I’ve developed for teaching the Spanish language, literature and culture since I’ve been teaching at UWG. I think the award really motivates me to continue to develop new and effective strategies for teaching in those areas.”
Zamostny started teaching Spanish and Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of West Georgia since the spring of 2012. He enjoys teaching courses across the curriculum in Spanish language, culture and literature, and directing the Minor in Gender & Sexuality Studies. He also works with first year students in the FLAIR (Foreign Languages and International Relations) Living-Learning Community and directing summer study abroad in Costa Rica.
Felix Tweraser, the Director of Foreign languages, nominated Dr. Zamostny in November 2013.
“I was very pleased by nomination and I am very grateful,” said Zamostny. “Since being at UWG I think my teaching has changed and my students have become a higher priority.”
Zamostny said that his teaching revolves around three cornerstones: passion, rigor and support. His enthusiasm for what he teaches help to motivate students and shows them how useful learning different cultures and literatures can be.
“I hold my students to high academic standards, but I also provide many resources to help them reach those standards,” said Zamostny.
He prides himself on providing a higher quality service to students. Professor Zamostny also believes his three key elements to his teaching helped in allowing him to display his passion for teaching.
Also being awarded are two UWG alumni, Jennifer Bartlett, 2013, is receiving the 2014 FLAG Teacher of Promise Award for K-12 teachers and Rodney Kay, a 1994 graduate, who will be receiving the Administrative Support of Foreign Languages award.
