In the early 1970s, Proctor’s leadership and faculty made an intentional statement that, despite an incredibly diverse learning population within the school, world languages were something that each and every student could learn. For the past fifty years, this fundamental belief in language acquisition as an attainable goal for all students has guided the development of off-campus language immersion experiences (Proctor en Segovia, Proctor en Monteverde, and European Art Classroom) and the adoption of a world language curriculum that emphasizes acquisition and application rather than fluency.
In the video above, World Language Department Chair Kara Jacobs explains Proctor’s approach to world languages, and this deep commitment to helping every student acquire new languages during their time at Proctor.
Read more about the amazing group of educators who steward the World Language Department and inspire our students to go out into the world in pursuit of new cultural and language experiences!
How long have you been at Proctor?
Kara Jacobs (Spanish, World Language Department Chair) | 6 months
Erik Cole-Johnson (Spanish/French) | 29 years
Scott King (Spanish) | 16 years
Mikaela Buldoc-Graumann (Spanish) | 15 years
Sarah Daney (French) - 10 years
Zhen Lei (Spanish/Mandarin) | 2 years
What is your favorite part of your working in the World Language Department at Proctor?
Kara: Seeing our learners acquire the language, learn about the Spanish speaking world and feel successful.
Erik: I love the excitement around new ideas, new methods of teaching and our striving to improve our own understanding of how language acquisition works and how we can best help our students learn language while also talking about both their own lives as well as important issues in our world. We get to talk about literature, art, science, history, everything! My colleagues inspire me every day. They are amazing!
Scott: When students get excited about Spanish and push themselves to learn as much as they can.
Mikaela: I love working alongside my incredible colleagues in the department. We have the freedom to skip the usual textbooks and workbooks, allowing us to team up and create courses that are interesting both for our students and ourselves. Looking for compelling stories and films from the Spanish speaking world to share with my students is one of my favorite parts of designing curriculum. I also appreciate the opportunity to get to know my students better through discussions in the target language!
Sarah: My colleagues and the students - lot's of fun.
Zhen: We have a great working environment here. Everyone is very kind and always offer help, support whenever I need. Also I have a great space to create activities, field trips for our Mandarin program, and always receive 100% support. It makes me feel I am as important as any other member in the department.
If you could take part in ONE of Proctor's Off-Campus Programs or take ONE class at Proctor, what would it be?
Kara: I would go to Costa Rica and I would take Culture and Conflict.
Erik: Mountain Classroom would be the program for me. Place based learning and adventure with peers sounds amazing. Something about it just seems so essential, invigorating and, hopefully for participants, inspiring.
Scott: Segovia
Mikaela: I was a Co-Director of the Proctor en Segovia program for many years, and I love going back to Segovia, Spain as often as I can. If I had the opportunity to participate in another program, it would be Mountain Classroom!
Sarah: Segovia - I love language and want to learn Spanish.
Zhen: Segovia, definitely!
What amazes you/makes you proud of being a part of the Proctor community?
Kara: That we don't give language waivers because everyone can learn a language.
Erik: I am proud of being part of a community that accepts and even celebrates its members' quirks and idiosyncrasies. We work to better each other and ourselves, and also know when not to take ourselves too seriously. I love being part of a place that strives to promote the idea of possibility and opening doors and I'm proud of our students who bring compassion to others, are gracious to the adults and peers in the community and try new things and take advantage of the wonderful opportunity Proctor affords.
Scott: The power of an off-campus program like Ocean Classroom in the life of a student.
Mikaela: While interviewing at different schools, one thing that struck me about Proctor was that people were both incredibly passionate about their work and determined to have a decent work/life balance. Proctor faculty and staff seemed genuinely happy. That's one reason I came here years ago, and it's something I've valued ever since!
Sarah: I'm amazed by the supportive, tight-knit community. I'm proud to be teaching the students who are special kids - kind and fun to work with.
Zhen: As a freshman faculty, I feel very welcomed and cared for by the community.
What is one fun fact or hidden talent that you have?
Kara: I have run seven marathons.
Erik: I have been working on a handstand for 16 months. I can't do one and hold it on command yet, but if you see me crumpled on the floor in some hallway, the gym, the classroom or my office, chances are it is due to this quest (still check on me though, just in case!).
Scott: I can demonstrate the proper use of the subjunctive mood in two languages.
Mikaela: I speak 3 languages fluently and am continuing to learn more!
Sarah: I also speak Norwegian!
Zhen: I don't really know:)
Learn more about Proctor’s Off-Campus Immersion Programs!
- Academics
- Faculty/Staff