Originally from Tampico, Tamaulipas, México, Bertha Delgadillo became a language educator inspired by her ELA, ESOL, and Spanish teachers, who played a key role in uplifting her dreams while she grew up undocumented in South Georgia. Their belief in her potential shaped her commitment to becoming the kind of educator who opens doors for students who may not yet see what is possible for themselves.

Because she believes that teaching transcends the classroom, Bertha centers her instruction at the intersection of her students’ identities, interests, needs, and the lived stories of the people where the target language is spoken. She is known for designing learning experiences that are culturally sustaining, community‑connected, and rooted in real‑world purpose. By partnering with the local Spanish‑speaking community through service and storytelling, she fosters empathy and empowers students to use Spanish as a tool for connection, contribution, and social impact.

A National Board‑Certified Teacher since 2020, Bertha has become a nationally recognized voice in world language education. She leads presentations, workshops, and keynote sessions across the country, supporting teachers in building proficiency‑based, student‑centered classrooms that honor culture, identity, and authentic communication. Her work is grounded in advocacy for multilingual learners, immigrant communities, and equitable access to high‑quality language programs. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Educational Innovation with a focus on Secondary Spanish Education, driven by her desire to strengthen her impact as an advocate for her students, the profession, and her communities.

Bertha is the 2024 SCOLT Teacher of the Year, the 2023 Foreign Language Association of Georgia (FLAG) Teacher of the Year, and a 2025 ACTFL Teacher of the Year finalist, a recognition that reflects her leadership, her innovative instructional vision, and her unwavering commitment to elevating the field of language education.