On September 27, Michelle Verbitskaya, a PhD student and graduate teaching assistant, received the Teacher of the Year award from the Florida Foreign Language Association (FFLA). Michelle has worked with STARTALK at the University of Central Florida’s Russian Intensive Program since 2018, serving as a teaching assistant, instructor, and curriculum developer. Over the past three years, they have focused on developing an online proverb-based curriculum with an emphasis on Russian for business purposes and media literacy. Michelle has also taught advanced heritage students online and during summer residential camps. As the treasurer for the Critical Languages of the Southeast Region Organization, an affiliate of the FFLA, Michelle was recognized for their contributions to the development of Russian language programs in Florida.