Jen Hasler-Troutman, a dedicated Spanish teacher at Westfield High School, has been named Indiana Teacher of the Year, recognized for her impactful approach to teaching Spanish language and culture.
Her passion for fostering global awareness and cultural understanding has made her a beloved figure in the Westfield community.
Reflecting on her journey, Hasler-Troutman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share the importance of language and cultural education: I feel fortunate to be able to talk about the significance of language and cultural learning, encouraging students to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
The Indiana Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese selected her for this honor, praising her engaging classroom methods and deep commitment to student growth. Stacey O’Brien, Westfield’s Content Area Director of World Languages, highlighted Hasler-Troutman’s long-standing influence: She has stayed connected with students for decades, showing them how language learning opens doors worldwide.
Students like senior Mayah Lopez appreciate her unique approach to teaching. “She doesn’t just teach the language; she immerses us in the culture, showing us what life is like in Spanish-speaking countries, Lopez said.
Throughout her three-decade career, Hasler-Troutman has been a mentor and leader within the school’s World Language Department, contributing to the school’s outstanding achievement—a 100% pass rate in AP Spanish Literature and Culture for the past three years.
Looking ahead, Hasler-Troutman is committed to mentoring newer teachers, ensuring that the next generation of educators can carry on her work of inspiring students to embrace language learning.