Professor Amy S. Thompson, director of the School of Teacher Education at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, received the 2024 Distinguished Service to the Profession Award from the Association of Language Departments (ALD), a part of the Modern Language Association (MLA).
Thompson was recognized during the 2025 MLA Convention in a ceremony that took place on Jan. 10 in New Orleans. Founded in 1883, MLA has over 20,000 members in 100 countries.
The ALD Award for Distinguished Service to the Profession is given to eminent scholar-leaders who have made significant contributions to the profession at the postsecondary level, particularly in the areas of teaching, scholarship and service and advocacy. The ALD executive committee grants the award only in years when appropriate nominees come to the committee’s attention. Awardees are world language professionals from a variety of institutions and specializations.
“It is truly an honor to have been selected for this award,” said Thompson. “Receiving this Distinguished Service to the Profession award is a highlight of my career, and I want to thank the ALD executive committee and the MLA staff for this incredible recognition, as well as all of those who have joined me in advocating for the instruction of world languages and cultures in the U.S. context.”
In an announcement published by the MLA, the organization recognized Thompson’s advocacy in the field of world language and culture education, her research impact and her exceptional mentorship and leadership. Thompson has served on a number of editorial boards and language-related professional organizations, including the West Virginia Foreign Language Teachers’ Association. She is also currently the treasurer and president-elect of the International Association for the Psychology of Language Learning and is on the editorial board of the Modern Language Journal, among others.
Thompson’s research interests focus on individual differences in second language acquisition, as well as multilingualism, language learning and more.
“Merely the process of engaging in language learning develops tolerance of ambiguity, promotes empathy and fosters appreciation for those whose lived experiences differ from one’s own,” Thompson added. “We need to ensure our students continue to have these opportunities. I truly believe in the importance of language education and the role that universities play in preparing the next generation of educators and researchers. This award has heightened my passion for my field and inspires me in my current role as director of the School of Teacher Education to work toward a brighter future in education, both domestically and globally.”