The purpose of this multi-participant qualitative case study was to investigate effective teachings practices among highly-regarded second language teachers and how they developed during teacher education programs and in their careers. Furthermore, since COVID-19 has had a remarkable impact in every aspect of living worldwide, including in the field of education, this study also attempted to illustrate how highlyregarded second language teachers adapted to emergent remote teaching. The focal participates were six highly-regarded second language teachers, who were recommended by second language researchers, educators, and professional organization leaders as having outstanding and even innovative teaching practices. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed qualitatively. Activity Theory and Ambitious Teaching guided this study and were utilized as theoretical frameworks. Themes related to the theoretical frameworks and patterns that appeared among these highly-regarded teachers were discussed. In order to cultivate second language learning and create effective second language classes, highly-regarded language teachers nurtured studentcentered classrooms, that were enriched with inspiring and encouraging activities,