ABOUT THE TEACHER

I am an American currently living in a suburb of Paris. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Theory and Practice in English, Social Studies, and World Languages.

Over the past twenty years, I have lived in four countries on three continents and learned two new languages. During that time, I have developed a deep appreciation for communication. My struggles to connect with those around me have taught me the value of simplicity when I could not find the words, as well as a sensibility to the music of my own language. I live in a bilingual home with my French husband and two beautiful children. Not only do I enjoy being a teacher, I am an avid student and enjoy learning about the world in which we live.

Over the years, I have taught a wide variety of subjects, including basic computer skills to more advanced and focused software usage and even worked as a math tutor for a while. Relating to English, I have worked with adult learners, focusing on business English, conversational English, and writing skills, and have been working for Grand Chêne Section Internationale since 2018.

My goal as a teacher, for whatever age or proficiency level, is to inspire confidence in my students and to help them reach their fullest potential.

Language determines how we connect with one another. It defines our very thoughts. A second language inspires new ways of thinking and allows us to connect with others in a way that would otherwise be impossible. The proper selection of words allows for sublime sharing of ideas.

I consider it a great privilege to be a part of young people’s lives, to watch them grow and help them blossom.

“The future of the world is in my classroom today.”

Ivan Welton Fitzwater
The teacher, smiling, photographed against a pale background Icebergs drifting on a glacial lake below snow-covered mountains A red sandstone cathedral with a tall spire, seen from the side A bronze statue of a bear reaching into a strawberry tree, in a city square An ornate carved stone tomb inside a church, flanked by marble figures A castle on a small island in a loch, with bare green hills behind An old stone bridge over still water, reflecting a snow-dusted pine forest An aerial view of a steep green mountainside cut by a zigzagging road, a town far below A tall stained-glass window glowing in a dark church interior Sunlight breaking through heavy cloud over a calm sea The roofless ruins of a large abbey, its walls standing around a mown lawn A sculpture of twisting blown glass in yellow and blue, suspended beneath a glass roof Rows of tall saffron-coloured fabric gates lining a snow-covered park path A harbour ringed by tall narrow houses and a church spire, with boats moored in still water A turreted pale stone castle standing on a wide green lawn A river crossed by a long many-arched stone bridge, with a hillside town beyond The Golden Gate Bridge seen across a garden of flowering plants A natural rock arch reaching out into the sea from a chalk cliff A stone plaque set in grass and daisies, carved with the words Skara Brae 3100 BC A sunlit stone cloister of pointed arches running the length of an abbey A waterfall falling into a turquoise pool, surrounded by trees in autumn colour A lone figure silhouetted on a wide beach as the sun sets over the water Flamingos wading in a shallow lagoon, with a mountain range behind Banks of cloud seen from above, photographed from an aeroplane A gilded statue of the Virgin and Child on top of a stone bell tower against a clear sky