In order to help students develop a sense of intercultural awareness, my philosophy is to immerse them in an authentic language environment with a communicative approach. I aim to create a community connected to the diverse Francophone world.

Learning a foreign language is not confined to the classroom. Through exposure to authentic materials taken from the Internet, I demonstrate what opportunities await my students outside of the classroom once they acquire the necessary language skills. I encourage my students to participate in extracurricular activities, language associations and competitions, study abroad programs that contribute to their personal and professional development.

I build bridges that connect my students to the Francophone world, and that allow them to have access to a future filled with opportunities. My goal is not simply to teach language, but to teach them how they can thrive using the language. As one of my students said, I make sure they walk away everyday having learned something.

 

---

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2012-2020)

Course Coordination (2014 – 2015, 2016 – 2017, 2018 – 2019)
Training and directing a total of 22 graduate teaching assistants during three academic years. Design of course calendars and syllabi for elementary and intermediate French classes, selection of textbooks and instructional materials, course site management and testing.

Advanced French Writing and Grammar Course (2017, 2018)
Intensive grammar review and practice with an emphasis on strategies to improve accuracy of oral and written French. Grammar textbook supplemented with readings and materials from French and Francophone culture.

French Phonetics (2016, 2020)
Introduction to the production and perception of the sounds of French through a variety of activities including individual pronunciation training, phonetic transcription, audio-lab work, and listening practice with authentic French recordings.

Accelerated Intermediate French I-II. (2016, 2017, 2018)
Accelerated, intermediate courses including comprehensive grammar review and introduction to literature, culture, and Francophone cinema.

Elementary French I-II. (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019)
Introductory courses designed to help students achieve Novice High proficiency in oral expression, listening comprehension, reading, writing, and cultural understanding.

Intermediate French I. (2015)
Intermediate course designed to help students develop Intermediate Mid proficiency in oral expression, listening comprehension, reading, writing, and cultural understanding.

Intensive Foreign Language Instruction Program (IFLIP) (2014, 2018)
Two-week long intensive courses focusing on conversational skills and travel preparation. IFLIP is geared toward members of the local and university community.