For most of us Laurie needs no introduction – she is one of the leaders of using comprehension based methods in the classroom and has been a constant source of inspiration to me personally. She really fits my definition of what the term warrior means. For those who have yet to meet her, here is her bio:
My name is Laurie Clarcq and I teach HS Spanish at Marcus Whitman HS in Rushville, N.Y. (That’s in the Finger Lakes…wine country….come visit!). I’ve been teaching for almost 30 years and trying to connect my students to the wonderful world of language with TPRS for just over a third of my career. It’s been an incredible blessing to me, my department, and most of all, my students. My TPRS friends have saved my sanity, welcomed me like family, honed me as a teacher and always, always encouraged me. I love being part of a professional group that takes our work, but not ourselves, (too) seriously. Every day brings new laughter in the classroom, more surprises from my students, and an ever-deepening focus on what language acquisition in a classroom can really become. What is my philosophy? Teaching is a prayer. Observation and intuition trump data. Love may not be the solution but it is the answer. Humility will get you farther than hubris. If you don’t want to hear the answer, and do something with it, then don’t ask the question. Faith and trust work miracles.
I’m so happy to be a part of this group of adventurers!!
with love,
Laurie
The Problem with CI
Jeffrey Sachs was asked what the difference between people in Norway and in the U.S. was. He responded that people in Norway are happy and
2 thoughts on “Laurie Clarcq”
Laurie-
what an amazing bio. I truly am looking forward to meeting you. I feel our philosophies on teaching are incredibly similar. Though I am new to teaching language, I am old to being with students of all ages in relationship to building community. I am honored that my path has led me to these new friends I’ve yet to meet in person but whom I feel I share many things with.
Kate
Kate and Laurie,
I am so looking forward to meeting you both, for the same reasons Kate describes above. I am struck by the deep connections/similarities among our philosophies that Laurie voiced in her bio:
“Teaching is a prayer. Observation and intuition trump data. Love may not be the solution but it is the answer. Humility will get you farther than hubris. If you don’t want to hear the answer, and do something with it, then don’t ask the question. Faith and trust work miracles.”
I also feel like a beginner teacher, even though I have been “teaching” for many years. I can say this with some clarity because I undestand the value of a beginner’s mind, the wisdom of learning from mistakes and because I can look back on my journey and know that I am here because of each step I have taken on this winding path.
This group clearly roots itself in connecting with our students. I have felt so encouraged and validated by you all, and I know that your students must feel the same. It’s so exciting to be learning from all of you!
🙂 Jen