Kateri majored in French and Francophone Studies with a Spanish minor at Illinois State University. She speaks English, French, and Spanish.
Starting in August 2024, she will be teaching French and Heritage Spanish to high school students!
Some Fun Facts About Kateri
- Theme Song: Laissez-moi Danser (Dalida)
- Happy Place: Split, Croatia: the best trip I took with four close friends
- Favorite Word in Another Language:
Étoile - Star
- Study Abroad: Angers, France
- Motto (in Spanish above): *There is no great talent without great will.
What activities or experiences would you say have most prepared you to enter the classroom or profession?
I can certainly say that my university prepared me to enter the classroom with the various clinicals I got to observe every year. I observed K-12 students in different settings and experienced traditional and non-traditional schooling. These experiences then prepared me for student teaching and becoming ready to enter the teacher world.
My CT (cooperating teacher) was an excellent form of support and encouragement that allowed me to grow and develop myself as a teacher. It was not easy teaching a full load in two languages, but that challenge has me ready to start my teacher journey in August.
What advice or message would you like to share with fellow future language educators?
A piece of advice I would love to share with fellow language educators is to challenge yourself and actively build your community of support.
In the beginning of college, I felt really alone because I did not know others in my field, but as I started to participate in language clubs and events, I got to meet incredible people. They have become a great network of support not only as friends but also when bouncing ideas off each other during student teaching and learning.
You are never alone, so reach out and lend a hand to others and build your circle of support. I had difficult times, but without their help, resources, and feedback, I would not have been as successful as I was in my teacher/language journey.
And always be open to feedback: Teachers are students as well, and you will do better when you ask questions, take feedback, and always continue growing.
You’re invited!
- Explore the Teacher Scholarship Program and refer aspiring teachers in your network.
- Hear reflections from Kateri and fellow graduates in a short video!
- Share your #LanguageDream on social media @LangConnectsFdn.