This past November, Nathan Campbell won World Language Teacher of the Year for Pennsylvania, awarded by the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association (PSMLA). It's not surprising he won, because he's loved languages almost his whole life.

"I first developed my interest in languages when I was in second grade," he recalled. "I loved learning codes and decoding on the back of cereal boxes. Then, I met a schoolmate from Thailand, and she spoke Thai. That was the first time that I met someone who spoke a language other than English. ... I was so fascinated by languages that my mother said that I would make languages up. I don't remember that, but she says I did."

Nathan, who teaches Spanish at Manheim Central High School, said his response to winning the award was stunned surprise.

"My immediate reaction was, 'Is this real?'" he said. "I was extremely honored to be selected to represent our state as the Teacher of the Year and represent PA at the regional level." Although he won the honor this past fall, he will be recognized formally in the fall of 2025 at the annual PSMLA conference in Bethlehem.

Nathan has been teaching for 20 years. His classes include Spanish levels 1, 2 and 3; Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture; and AP Spanish Literature and Culture. He also advises the Spanish club, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, Amnesty International and the quiz bowl team, and he serves as co-adviser to the Class of 2025.

Although he knew very early that he wanted to be a teacher, Nathan wasn't sure if he wanted to teach Spanish or social studies.

"Ultimately, I chose Spanish after traveling to Peru before my junior year of high school," he said. "I just fell in love with it. I hope to impart a global worldview to my students - that they recognize that the world is much bigger than just what is immediately around them. I want them to have an appreciation for things that are different and not just see them as strange. Knowing that so few of my students will actually master the Spanish language, I hope that their perspectives are influenced by their time in my classroom. Beyond that, I of course want my students to learn to communicate with others, hopefully, in Spanish."

Nathan credits his mother with fostering the calling he has for teaching. "(She) always pushed my sisters and I to do whatever gave us joy," he said. "She wanted us to find careers where we would be passionate."

He also noted that he has had many mentors over the years, including several teachers and professors.

"My student teaching experience was nothing short of amazing," said Nathan, who graduated from Manheim Central High School and Millersville University. "I was placed with Eileen Sweigart-Rios at Manheim Township Middle School. ... Little did I know that I would be learning from one of the best world language teachers. Eileen taught me so many skills that I am forever indebted to her."

He loves teaching at his alma mater, and he enjoys a few unique perks at the school. His wife, Jennifer, is the German teacher, and his 16-year-old son, Lucas, has so far been in every class Nathan teaches.

He also enjoys that as a language teacher, he teaches many of the same students for multiple years.

"Witnessing the growth in students from course to course is affirming for me, and particularly when students take the time to write me about their time abroad and using their Spanish to do what they love, that is what keeps me in education," he said. "I received a message and some pictures from a student that graduated almost 10 years ago. She is now a nurse and traveled to Guatemala on a service trip. She wanted to thank me for my courses and teaching her Spanish, as she was still able to use that knowledge to communicate with people and assist others on the trip. Those are the moments that I feel like what I am doing makes a difference."

Nathan loves that what he does has a lasting impact.

"Learning another language helps you look back at your own language. There are expressions that don't always translate, and you see into how the culture and language influence one another," he said. "Language is key to understanding culture."

When he's not in the classroom, Nathan enjoys getting outside and running. He is a self-proclaimed foodie, and he likes both trying new restaurants and foods as well as cooking at home. He also travels a lot over the summer, both with his family and with students. Along with Lucas, he has a 13-year-old daughter, Nora, and the family includes two dogs - Lila and Lola - and two cats - Leo and Luna.

As he enters another semester of teaching, Nathan encourages others to consider the field.

"We need people who are passionate about education and understand that the key to opportunity and success is a robust education. Public education, specifically, is a great equalizer and allows everyone equitable access to the information and skills needed to enter the workforce," he said. "To someone considering entering the profession, they should know that there is support. There are dedicated professionals willing to mentor you, willing to help you, and the community that surrounds you will have your back. Yes, it is no doubt tiring, but the reward of seeing your students succeed is the fruit born of your hard work."