Friends, family members, faculty and university leaders gathered around the Miami University Seal Dec. 2 to observe Martha Castañeda receive one of Miami’s highest honors.

During the outdoor ceremony Miami University President Gregory P. Crawford presented Castañeda, professor of Teacher Education, with the President’s Medal, which is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to Miami University or to those who exemplify the university motto through their extraordinary service to their community.

Jason Lane, dean of Miami’s College of Education, Health, and Society (EHS), said “Professor Martha Castañeda is a noted scholar and award-winning educator who works to both develop transformative foreign-language teachers as well as prepare all teachers to be effective educators in our increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse schools.” 

“She is the epitome of the teacher-scholar model that is the hallmark of Miami University and I’m thrilled that we’re able to honor her contributions through this award.”

Castañeda’s work also focuses on best practices in language acquisition and instructional design, and she’s become a nationally and internationally recognized leader in her field. 

“Her scholarly accomplishments were celebrated both within the university and by the external reviewers in superlative terms noting that, ‘She ranks among the best of her peers in world language education,’” said Brian Schultz, EHS chair and professor of Teacher Education. “Her professional generosity and collegiality know no bounds. Martha is exemplary, and her service to the department, college, university, and her field is second to none.”

Recently, her scholarship was recognized through the new Preparing English Learner Educational Allies (PELEA) program, which was awarded $2.5 million by the U.S. Department of Education to improve English language instruction across southwest Ohio K-12 schools.

As the principal investigator, Castañeda designed the PELEA grant to extend Miami's role in leading Ohio's efforts to strengthen and diversify the teacher education pipeline, and to help fill a critical shortage of teachers able to work with the growing number of students for whom English is not their first language.

As an educator and as an advisor, Castañeda also “sets the standard for exceptional rapport with her students,” Schultz also noted. As a 2019 recipient of Miami’s John E. Dolibois Faculty Award for Innovation in Global Programming, she was also lauded for designing popular study abroad experiences that both accentuate and build upon her classroom material in unique and engaging ways.

The President’s Medal is a replica of the medallion worn by Miami University presidents during inaugurations and at other moments of ceremony. Recipients also receive an accompanying plaque.

“Professor Castañeda, through her actions, words, and uplifting spirit,” the plaque reads, “is an inspiration to all whose efforts are in keeping with the highest traditions and ideals of Miami University and the Code of Love and Honor.”