Andrea shows us in her bio how not having perfection in the language in no way keeps us from helping kids succeed in school – her French program has tripled using TPRS. Not too bad:
Hi Ben,
I am a French teacher in Indiana. This is my fifth year teaching, but only my third year teaching French. (I used to teach social studies, and I still teach one section of economics.) This is also my third year of trying to use CI methods exclusively. Before ever teaching French I attended one of Susie Gross’s workshops. I was sold on the method after day one. The next year, I jumped in head first without really knowing how to swim (I was teaching French on an emergency license.) I attribute TPRS with my own success in the language. I was able to pass my state’s licensing exam with only ever having two 100 level French courses! I have since studied in France, but I still struggle with my own (perceived or real) incompetency in the language. In the mean time I have more than tripled the size of my school’s French program.
I attended NTPRS 2010 in Chicago and was looking forward to St. Louis this year, but I closed on a house instead. I love my house, but I regret not being able to go to nationals. I read this blog regularly, and I think I’m ready to be more active. I continually struggle with time (the lack of), and with feeling incompetent. I can’t thank you enough for this blog. It not only provides insight into TPRS but also much needed emotional support. I look forward to being able to meet all of you in person some day soon (maybe in Vegas 2012!).
Thanks,
Andrea Westphal