The American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) has named Mahopac High School and Middle School German teacher Katrina Bauerlein the 2026 recipient of the Outstanding German Educator Award in the high school category, the organization’s highest honor for German educators. Bauerlein started teaching at Mahopac in 2001 after returning from a full year abroad, living and working in Germany with a Fulbright Fellowship.
The award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in German education as well as creative leadership and contributions to the German teaching profession at the local, state and national levels. Bauerlein is among the 2026 AATG award recipients who will be honored during a virtual awards presentation on Nov. 8.
Bauerlein has been a dedicated member of the Mahopac school community, helping students develop their German language skills. Her approach emphasizes meaningful communication, cultural understanding and an inclusive learning environment in which students are encouraged to think critically and engage with new perspectives.
“Katrina brings an incredible level of knowledge, enthusiasm and care to her classrooms,” Mahopac High School Principal Patrick Keevins said. “She has a gift for making the German language and culture meaningful and accessible to her students, and this acknowledgement is well-deserved.”
For Bauerlein, the award is both a professional honor and a reflection of the importance of continuing to grow as an educator.
“I’m both incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award. As the sole German teacher in this part of the Hudson Valley, I have always worked hard to seek out professional collaboration and opportunities for my students well beyond our geographic area. These partnerships have proven to be just the ticket to the strength of Mahopac German as well as to my own growth as an educator,” Bauerlein said. “I'm so grateful to 25 years of Mahopac German families for their trust and support in all the ways, but especially for welcoming our exchange students from Germany and the willingness to send their kids to Germany for international experiences.”
Bauerlein added a piece of advice to new teachers.
“Join your professional organization and stay active in your field! Vielen Dank, AATG!”
“Recognition at the national level is a tremendous accomplishment,” Mahopac Superintendent Vincent DiGrandi said. “Katrina’s commitment to her students and the continued growth of German language education reflects the kind of teaching we value at Mahopac, and we are proud to have her representing our district.”
By going above and beyond for her German language students everyday, Bauerlein adds to a long tradition of language learning opportunities at Mahopac that prepare students to communicate, explore other cultures and develop a broader understanding of the world around them.
