Smiling award recipient holds a bouquet, trophy, and balloon, with a group on stage celebrating behind her.The Virginia Dual Language Educators Network (VADLEN) has named Nancy Davila, a Dual Language Immersion (DLI) teacher at Featherstone Elementary School, the Virginia Dual Language Immersion Teacher of the Year.

With more than 30 years in education, Davila’s career reflects a deep and evolving dedication to language learning. She began as a monolingual classroom teacher before transitioning into language instruction as an elementary school foreign language teacher and later a secondary Spanish teacher.

“I watched my kindergarten English learners shine because I was speaking their native language,” Davila shared. “They no longer had to give up their language or identity to succeed. Instead, they were able to learn in their home language while also becoming proficient in a second language.”

Davila believes DLI is a powerful solution to a long‑standing challenge in education: achieving language proficiency. While most students are required to earn foreign language credits to graduate, only a small percentage reach fluency. Through DLI, Davila has seen students develop high levels of proficiency in two languages while building confidence, cultural understanding, and a sense of belonging.

“I am and will always be an advocate for the Dual Language Program,” Davila shared. “Why offer our students just one window when bilingualism gifts them countless doors? Each door opens to a new way of seeing, speaking, and belonging in our global community.”

The Virginia Dual Language Educators Network supports teachers, school and division leaders, and families committed to strengthening DLI programs throughout Virginia.