Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS) is proud to celebrate the incredible achievement of Dr. Haydee Taylor-Arnold, Spanish Teacher and District Character Education Co-Chair, who was recently honored in Washington, D.C., by the Joint National Committee for Languages - National Council for Languages and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS). She received the prestigious Equitable Language Education Visionary Advocate with Transformative Effect (ELEVATE) Award for her outstanding commitment to advancing access and equity for language and culture learners both inside and outside the classroom.

The ELEVATE Award acknowledges educators and advocates championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in language education. It honors those who strive to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, preserve languages and dialects, and highlight the societal benefits of multilingualism.

For Dr. Taylor-Arnold, advocacy is a lifelong commitment. “Educators are leaders and advocates within their classrooms, and their voices are crucial for developing curriculum and resources tailored to student needs,” she details. “As experts in our field, our collective efforts significantly impact student growth and success. When educators share ideas and collaborate, we become a powerful source of professional development.”

Dr. Taylor-Arnold’s impact at LHWHS is extensive. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives to make language learning more accessible and engaging for all students.

One of her most impactful projects is the World Languages Proficiency Project, which she helped launch with funding from the Ladue Education Foundation (LEF). This initiative created a mobile language library, giving students access to books in multiple languages. “When students have access to literature in the languages they’re learning, their confidence and proficiency grow immensely,” she explains.

She co-founded the Promising Practice program alongside her colleague Mary DeLia in 2016. This initiative connects high school Spanish students with elementary learners at Conway Elementary, fostering mentorship by encouraging older students to engage with younger learners through language-based activities.

“Seeing the high schoolers take on leadership roles and form bonds with younger students was incredibly rewarding,” says Dr. Taylor-Arnold.

Beyond the classroom, her work with the Pulsera Project introduced students to global service-learning, where they sold handwoven bracelets to raise $465 in support of artisans in Guatemala and Nicaragua. 

Dr. Taylor-Arnold’s passion for experiential learning extends internationally. In 2023, she led a student trip to Italy, France, and Spain to provide firsthand exposure to language and culture. Another successful trip followed in 2024, with future travel planned for Italy and Spain in 2026.

She credits much of her success to the supportive environment within Ladue Schools. “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues and administrators for their consistent support throughout my teaching career and advocacy journey, benefiting significantly from the district's supportive environment for equitable language education advocacy.”

Early in her tenure at Ladue, she joined the District Diversity Committee and Character Education Committee, later co-leading the Mi Gente affinity group for Latino educators. Additionally, Dr. Taylor-Arnold has presented at numerous professional development conferences, sharing strategies for culturally responsive teaching and character education at local, regional, and national levels.

For fellow educators passionate about equitable language education, Dr. Taylor-Arnold offers this advice:

1. Stay Informed and Proactive – “Be aware of policies that impact education, as they directly affect students' opportunities.”
2. Listen to Students – “Awareness and vigilance help us advocate effectively and support students promptly, creating inclusive environments that value their voices.”
3. Engage with Colleagues – “Collaboration strengthens advocacy efforts and enriches our instructional practices.”

Dr. Taylor-Arnold’s commitment extends beyond the students she teaches. Her doctoral dissertation focused on support systems for Latino educators, aiming to improve school retention and equity. 

“As a Latina educator, inspired by my experiences in advocacy and education, this research reflects my commitment to fostering equity and advocacy within our education system,” she says.

As Ladue Schools continues its mission to foster an inclusive and caring educational environment that elevates a sense of belonging, Dr. Taylor-Arnold’s work is a shining example of dedication, advocacy, and inspiring impact. Congratulations to Dr. Haydee Taylor-Arnold on this well-deserved recognition!