Cultural Vistas is excited to highlight the achievement of one of our J1 Teachers. Silvana Del Val, from Argentina, has 34 years of teaching experience and is currently a multilingual teacher at Whitewater High School in Whitewater, Wisconsin.  

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On the first day back from summer break, I recall the middle school gym buzzing with the joy of seeing everyone again at the school‘s first-day pep rally. Last year’s recipient of the Inspiring Education of the Year Award took the stage to describe this year’s honoree. As the speech went on, describing a teacher who “creates a place where everyone feels seen and valued and sees a possibility and turns it into an opportunity,” I remember thinking, “What nice things he is saying!”  

It never crossed my mind that Mr. Majors was talking about me! Moments later, I was called up and presented the 2026 Inspiring Educator of the Year Award. 

In my acceptance speech, I stated that it was an incredible honor to receive this recognition, and knowing that it was voted on by the fellow district staff, administration, and the community itself made it mean so much more to me. What touched me the most, though, was something even deeper. I do not have children of my own and have often wondered what mark I would leave on the world, and what would remain after I’m gone. Hearing those kind words, I felt that perhaps there would be a trace of me left behind after all. 

Of course, this recognition isn’t just mine. It’s the result of a 34-year collective journey, and I want to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to those who made it possible: 

To God, for letting me know from an early age that teaching was my calling and for allowing me to live my life purpose every single day. 

To my family, for always supporting my passion from day one. 

To my university trainers in Argentina, especially Mariano Quinterno, who taught me my work ethic. 

To Sandra Lorenzo and Alfredo Bilopolsky, who wrote so many letters of recommendation to make my journey to the US possible, alongside Hernán Guastalegnanne and Mariela Fioretti. 

To my former team from Lincoln School, where I was Director of Studies, particularly Lucia Vallaro, for vouching for me as a leader. 

To Terilyn Robles, Ph.D., who brought me to the US on an exchange program. Her relentless determination turned my dream of coming here into a reality. 

To Mel A. Borchert, my supervisor until last year and now friend, who always supported me and had my back. 

To the entire Multilingual (ML) team in the district, a team as colorful, driven, and passionate as all of us Latinos are! 

To my counterpart at WHS, Simone McKinney, for working hand in hand with me to advocate for our ML students so they can truly belong and thrive. 

To my WHS colleagues, who welcome the cultural differences I bring to the table with such warmth and open-mindedness. 

To my friends near and far, who hugged me with so much love on hearing my name; I could truly feel your genuine happiness for me. 

To my Whitewater community, which I deeply love. Like I said in my acceptance speech (which I totally winged!): when I think of home, I think of Whitewater. 

And to my students, who trust me, open their hearts to me, and allow me to be part of their lives. You are the reason I do what I do.  

Grateful for this journey and for the gift of doing what I love every day. 

Receiving the Inspiring Teacher of the Year award is a dream come true, but it is a dream that exists to a great extent because of Cultural Vistas. By sponsoring my exchange program, Cultural Vistas gave me the opportunity of a lifetime—to teach in the United States, share my culture, and contribute every single day to my new community with passion and devotion. This award is proof of how powerful and meaningful their mission is. I am profoundly grateful to Cultural Vistas for believing in international educators and making this life-changing experience possible for me.