International Educator of the Year Award Luncheon

This annual award honors outstanding North Texas educators for their work to expand international learning opportunities. This event supports the Global Young Leaders program, the Council’s high school education initiative that facilitates Junior World Affairs Councils in North Texas and gives these teachers a platform to better equip their students to be globally-competent and expose them to international career opportunities.

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2026 INTERNATIONAL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD HONOREE

Julia Wilson of Trinity High School

Julia Wilson, an educator with 25 years in the profession, currently serves as the IB Coordinator at Trinity High School, where she has worked for seven years. Prior to this role, she was an IB and AP teacher and the Social Studies Department Chair at Trinity.

Julia is the sponsor of the Trinity Junior World Affairs Council, the most active JWAC in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Her JWAC hosts a weeklong Trinity Culture Week with activities for students daily.

Her dedication to education has been recognized in multiple ways: in 2013, she was awarded the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year; in 2019 she was selected as a national delegate for the Street Law Supreme Court Teacher Institute, in 2023 she was awarded the HEBISD Educational Foundation Double Grant, and in 2025 she was awarded a spot on the Council’s Morocco teacher study tour. Her principal describes her as “one of the heartbeats of our campus” and “one of the most selfless humans I have ever met.”

Julia holds an M.Ed in Educational Technology and Leadership with numerous teaching certifications, serves as part of the Council’s teacher advisory and as an AP reader for US Government and Politics, and is the proud mother of two sons and an avid fan of K-dramas.

PAST RECIPIENTS

ABOUT THE AWARD

IEY Award In working directly with high schools the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth has encountered numerous educators devoted to enriching their students’ knowledge of world affairs and expanding international learning opportunities for their students. These teachers and administrators demonstrate leadership by going above and beyond their normal responsibilities.

Just as these teachers feel it is important to help their students develop a better understanding of the world, we at the Council feel it is equally important to recognize the efforts of these dedicated individuals.

The International Educator of the Year Award honors outstanding North Texas educators for their work expanding international learning opportunities and supports Global Young Leaders, the Council’s high school education program.

FAQs:

Q. Who is eligible for this award?

A. The individual being nominated for the IEY Award must be a full-time 6-12 teacher or administrator who resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and has worked with WACDFW in some capacity over their career. The nominee should have a proven track record of incorporating international resources and perspectives into their work as an educator to develop global competence skills in students.

Q. What are the benefits associated with this award?

A. The International Educator of the Year will receive a $1,000 award, a trip to the World Affairs Councils of America Conference in Washington, DC in the fall (includes flight and conference fees) and a one-year membership to the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Winner will be announced at the Council’s annual International Educator of the Year luncheon.

Q. Who can give me more information about this award?

A. For more information, contact Jennifer Bowden, Director of Education, via email or at 214-965-8415.