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January 6, 2010
FACULTY/STAFF
Sue Harsa
TEACHES: French I, Honors French III, IV, V
EXTRAS: Foreign Language Department Chair
YEARS AT ST. FRANCIS: 31
YEARS IN EDUCATION: 39
DEGREE(S) EARNED:
1997, Master of Arts in French & Instructional Methodology,
DePaul University
1971, Bachelor of Arts in French & English,
Mt. St. Scholastica, Kansas
Foreign Language Department
SUE HARSA
630-668-5800, x1200
E-mail at SHarsa@sfhsnet.org
FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT SAINT FRANCIS:
I love the phrase “Futures Founded on Family” because I feel the
Saint Francis teachers, staff, and students are an extension of my own
family. At S.F.H.S. people genuinely care about one another. Saint Francis
High School
provides an environment in which all students can succeed if they try.
HOBBIES:
I love to travel (surtout en France, mais oui!), read, go boating
with my family, and work on Photoshop.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:
Learning a foreign language is a challenge and it is inevitable
that students will make mistakes. I try to provide an atmosphere
in which
students are
not intimidated to try even if they are not perfect. There are at least
7 different
types of learner which makes teaching a real challenge. For that reason,
I believe it is essential to change methodology so that I can reach
as many students
as
possible. My strategies range from “ TPR” (Total Physical
Response) to music. If I do my job well, most students should be able
to succeed
in French. That being said, it is necessary to challenge students as
well as hold them accountable.
PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY:
I have been teaching since 1971 and taking students to France for
30 years. During that course of time, I also started taking groups
of
woman. After
leading several
adult trips for women I recently lead a group of both men and women.
As I have always done with the students, I offered to teach a preparation
class
for the
adult travelers. They seemed to love learning.
I am presently preparing to start my student trip classes for a group of 34 students who will be traveling to London and then on to France via the English Channel.
Finally, I am the proud mother of 2 sons, 1
step-son, and 2 step-daughters. Furthermore, between my husband’s family and my family we now have
7 grand-children. What a great family!