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Another honor for Azama

Yo Azama (MAE 2015) has earned another award for his work in the classroom and in promoting language study.

Azama, who earned a single-subject credential at Cal State Monterey Bay as well as an M.A. in education, has received the Elgin Heinz Teacher Award from the United States-Japan Foundation. The award recognizes exceptional teachers who further mutual understanding between Americans and Japanese. It was presented during a ceremony at Stanford University.

It is named for Elgin Heinz, a pioneer in educating American students about Asia. It includes a $2,500 cash award and $5,000 in project funds. Azama has taught Japanese at North Salinas High School for many years. He believes “language connects us and as a result it binds us into the global family that we are.” In addition to teaching, he’s a team leader of the Monterey Bay World Language Project and serves as a College Board adviser for the Advanced Placement Japanese Language and Culture Development Committee.

He also teaches a modern language method course in CSUMB’s teacher education program.

The Elgin Heinz award is just one of his many honors. In 2012, the Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language named him National Language Teacher of the Year.