AATSP Exams is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 AATSP Teacher Conference Stipends. This award supports dedicated educators by providing them with the opportunity to attend the annual AATSP Conference, where they can engage in professional development, network with colleagues, and gain fresh insights to bring back to their classrooms. This year, we are honored to recognize two exceptional teachers: Yomaira Tarifa from New Jersey and Stacey Bill from Kentucky.
Yomaira Tarifa: Leading with Innovation and Cultural Excellence
Yomaira Tarifa is a passionate Spanish educator at River Dell High School in New Jersey, where she has been inspiring students since 2019. She holds a Master’s degree in Spanish from Hunter College and brings both academic rigor and cultural authenticity to her classroom. Yomaira teaches AP Spanish and serves as the advisor for the Spanish Honor Society, creating opportunities for students to deepen their connection to the language and culture.
Her commitment to excellence extends far beyond her classroom walls. Yomaira leads award-winning cultural initiatives at her school and has earned recognition for her innovative approaches to language instruction. She is also a frequent presenter at national and international conferences, sharing best practices in world language instruction with educators around the globe. Her dedication to professional growth and collaboration makes her a valued voice in the Spanish education community.
Yomaira’s passion for advancing language education and her track record of creating meaningful cultural experiences for her students demonstrate why she is such a deserving recipient of the AATSP Conference Stipend. We look forward to the insights and connections she will bring back to her students and colleagues
Stacey Bill: A Veteran Educator with a Passion for Innovation
Stacey Bill teaches Spanish at Notre Dame Academy in Kentucky and brings nearly two decades of teaching experience to her work. Her career has spanned both university and high school settings, giving her a comprehensive perspective on language education across multiple levels. Stacey’s enthusiasm for teaching is evident in her work with students at every stage of their language journey, from novice learners to those enrolled in AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature.
As a dedicated member of the professional community, Stacey is passionate about sharing innovative ideas at conferences. Her research interests focus on using creative writing and technology to increase students’ motivation, engagement, and proficiency—approaches that resonate with today’s learners and help them develop authentic communication skills. She believes that by integrating these strategies, students can find joy in language learning while building real-world competencies.
Stacey’s commitment to continuous improvement, her research-driven approach to instruction, and her genuine love for working with students at all proficiency levels make her an outstanding recipient of the AATSP Conference Stipend. We are excited to see how the professional development opportunities at the conference will further enrich her already innovative teaching practice.
The AATSP Conference Stipends recognize educators who demonstrate outstanding commitment to Spanish and Portuguese language education. Yomaira Tarifa and Stacey Bill exemplify the dedication and passion that this award celebrates. Congratulations to both winners, and we look forward to hearing about the valuable insights and connections they bring back from the conference. Your commitment to excellence in language education is truly inspiring
