As the first semester of this school year comes to an end, the new teachers at Foran have been able to adjust and truly learn the school environment.
Ms. Edmide Duncan is one of the nine new teachers at Foran this year and is a new addition to the World Language department, where she teaches all grades, freshmen to seniors in French 2, 3, 4 and AP French.
Duncan grew up in Haiti, located in the Caribbean where she completed elementary, middle and high school. After graduating, Duncan moved to the Bahamas to complete her tertiary education before moving to the United States.
Going to school in Haiti, learning French is mandatory for all students and was Duncan’s second language.
“Teaching is what I always wanted to do from the start,” says Duncan.
Although she has only been at Foran for one semester, Duncan feels very supported and has no complaints. Duncan explained that as soon as she started teaching, the community was immediately inviting.
“It was very welcoming. The most welcoming school I’ve been to,” she says.
She also adds how the community as a whole has always been willing to assist. From the teachers, to administrators, students, and even the parents, everyone is helpful and never turns away when asked for help.
Sophomore Joey Kerzner, who takes French 4, says, “I took French because of the culture.”
Learning the French language allows students to study various aspects that can be used in different parts of their lives.
Kerzner adds, “Many French people are in Canada, and that is the hockey capital of the world, so I would love to visit.”
Teaching French culture at Foran inspires many students and their interests.
Duncan takes passion in the work she does and sees progress within her classes everyday. She is very proud of how far her students have come and is very appreciative of each individual.
Junior Gaby Gallardo, French 4 student, states, “I look forward to French everyday. Duncan teaches us in entertaining ways that make learning much easier but also gives us a challenge to push us to our best ability.”
Duncan has done many different practices in her classroom to make the environment a more fun and entertaining experience for the students. These activities push her classes to their greatest potential while also providing them with useful information.
Throughout the semester, Duncan has developed from her students and by teaching new things. She has grown strong connections with all her classes and is pleased with how far they have come.
