Michele Carlisle of the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ECOESC) has been named the recipient of this year’s Ohio World Language Association (OWLA) Outstanding Administrator Award, recognizing her decades of leadership and commitment to expanding access to world language education across the state.

Carlisle’s impact reaches far beyond a single program or district. For more than 20 years, she has worked to ensure that students, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, have access to high-quality world language instruction that might not otherwise be available. Her work has helped transform what was once considered an impossible challenge into a statewide model of innovation and opportunity.

Long before distance learning became commonplace, Carlisle was pioneering interactive video instruction, connecting students with highly qualified Spanish, Chinese, American Sign Language (ASL), and ESL teachers across Ohio. By leveraging technology, she helped remove geographic barriers and open doors for countless students.

Her leadership extends beyond instruction. Through strategic vision and successful grant efforts, Carlisle has secured millions of dollars in funding to sustain and grow these programs. Colleagues describe her as a tireless problem solver who is deeply committed to equity and access, and someone who does not stop until solutions are found.

Carlisle’s work also reflects a strong commitment to inclusion in practice. Her organization recently supported ASL interpreters for a public event, underscoring her belief that accessibility should be embedded in everything schools do, not simply discussed.

In addition, she has gone above and beyond to support international educators, helping coordinate housing, transportation, and community integration for visiting teachers from countries such as Spain and China. Her efforts have helped create welcoming environments for educators while enriching learning experiences for students across Ohio.

Under Carlisle’s leadership, what began as a small initiative has grown into a far-reaching network that continues to impact districts statewide. Her work has set a standard for educational leadership, demonstrating that world language education is not an extra, but an essential part of preparing students for the future.

Carlisle’s recognition by OWLA highlights not only her professional accomplishments, but also her unwavering dedication to students, educators, and communities throughout Ohio.