Jacki Parr, AATF Minnesota's 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year shares her beliefs about French education

Jackie Parr, AATF Minnesota's 2024-2025 French Teacher of the Year

I recently had the pleasure of speaking to Jackie Parr, AATF Minnesota's 2025-2025 French Teacher of the Year from Stillwater Area High School, about her career in education. Jackie has been in the classroom for over 30 years. She is a passionate teacher known for her deep commitment to French education and for her significant contributions to the profession. In this interview, Jacki shares highlights of her journey and her beliefs in the importance of French education.

MEP: Why did you decide to become a French teacher?

JP: My passion for teaching French became evident during my masters program in French literature at the University of Massachusetts. I had the opportunity to teach French for the first time there and it was an unforgettable experience. I loved writing lessons and sharing them with all of my colleagues. We were using French in Action and what can I say, Pierre Capretz, Mireille and Robert literally changed my life.  At the end of my program, the department recognized my service with an Excellence in Teaching award.  I had a job lined up for me in France at the end of my master’s degree to teach the CAPES and AGGREGATION preparation courses for English teachers in Besançon. Upon returning to the US the following year, I went straight into a teaching licensure program at the U of M because I knew what I wanted to do: become a French teacher. Teaching language and culture and learning about language acquisition have become my lifelong passion. 

Many times in the last few years people have asked me to talk about my why; why do I get so much joy from teaching French? The answer is easy. I began my own study of French in 8th grade and will never forget how the discovery of a new language completely changed my view of the world. It is my goal to help my students see the world differently by expanding their understanding of different cultures, and improving their ability to think critically and with a more open-mind. My goal is to pique my students’ curiosity so that they will continue to explore the world we live in and experience the cultures all around us. Our differences should be celebrated and recognized for the ways in which they enrich our lives and communities. 

MEP: In this day and age with Google translate, numerous voice input translation apps and AI, why does the study of a world language, especially French, still matter?

JP: I firmly believe that the study of French, and other world languages, still matters today. Firstly, the benefits of multilingualism are undeniable. Who wouldn’t want to have an improved memory, enhanced problem solving listening skills while you stave off cognitive decline at the same time?  But honestly for me, the biggest and most valuable reason to learn a new language is for the connection that comes with being able to communicate with others. Being able to hold a conversation with others in a language you both speak is a powerful way to build connections, show respect, and enhance mutual understanding. AI and Google translate cannot replace real-time human interactions no matter how powerful they become. These tools lack deep, intuitive understanding and can leave you feeling frustrated and hollow. It is incredibly inconvenient to have to type or speak your message into a machine only to have it translate what you want to say incorrectly. While we must admit that AI has the ability to facilitate communication and it is sometimes a useful tool, I fervently believe it will never have the capacity to replace some of the most important aspects of connecting with others, shared memories, emotions, figurative language and humor.

MEP: What do your students most value about your class?

JP:I am often told that my students enjoy my enthusiasm for French and the process of second language acquisition. I love to teach language and culture through music and stories in particular. There are so many topics to share with students when we take the time to look closely at authentic sources. I am also constantly looking for new ways to present information and different approaches to make the language and culture come alive. As much as students thrive on knowing what to expect when they come to class every day, they also enjoy the discovery of new experiences and new approaches to learning and communicating in the classroom. This is important to me as well because I must admit that I get bored with the same things week after week and am always looking for a new spark to bring to my students.

MEP: Why do you keep teaching?  How do you stay motivated and engaged?

JP:I am drawn back into the classroom year after year because as a teacher I have the potential to make a profound impact on the lives of my students. Watching them grow, mature, overcome challenges, and develop confidence in their abilities is incredibly rewarding. As a French teacher, I often have students in class throughout their high school careers, the bonds I build with them create a sense of connection and purpose.  I find that each day is meaningful in some way because every day is different. For me teaching is a continuous journey of learning—every year brings new experiences, perspectives, and opportunities that expand my knowledge. Whether it’s discovering innovative teaching methods, something new about a francophone culture or gaining insight from my students, I find endless inspiration in the classroom. The ability to shape young minds while also growing alongside them is what keeps me coming back, year after year.

MEP: What would you say to a student who was thinking about becoming a French teacher?

JP:I would tell them that teaching is more than just delivering lessons—it is about fostering student success, inspiring creativity, and making a lasting impact. Your own passion for the language, the cultures and pedagogy are what you should lean on to get this job done. When your enthusiasm for French and teaching are contagious and students will respond accordingly. I would encourage a new teacher to be patient with their students and with themselves. Language acquisition takes time and is often messy but is totally worth it. I would tell them to have fun, incorporate play, bring French alive and make it accessible. New teachers of French also need to be part of communities where they will find support and inspiration, like the AATF and others. There are countless opportunities to get involved and it is worth it and important to do so.