Hannah's story
 
My French language journey started at the age of five at Normandale Elementary School in Edina, Minnesota. At the time not much was known about French Immersion in Edina and how students might be successful if teachers only spoke French to them all day. Even my own father, who attended a French Colonial School in Northern Vietnam was worried I wouldn’t learn English. Language was a very present part of my formative years: I spoke French at school, English with my friends and Vietnamese with my family. In 5th grade, I was a part of the 3rd graduating class from Normandale Elementary. 
 
I am so grateful for the teachers and parents  that advocated for French instruction to continue in Edina through Middle School and High School. I had the privilege of having science instruction in French until 6th grade, social studies in French until 7th grade, and math instruction in French until 8th grade. I had French all the way until my senior year of high school. As a high schooler, I participated in both, Le Grand Concours and A Vous la Parole. I continued my French studies at the University of Minnesota, graduating with a BA in French and Child Psychology. I then went to grad school, also at the University of Minnesota, to earn my Masters in Education. 
 
I started my teaching career in 2011 in Edina and I have been teaching at Eastview High School since 2012. I had a wonderful mentor in Mary Kuettner who mentored me at the beginning of my career and helped me get connected with the ‘College in the Schools' program through the University of Minnesota. This program gives students an opportunity to get university credit for French while still in High School. Mary Kuettner also helped me get more involved with the AATF-Minnesota. I served as secretary and transitioned to treasurer when LaRae Ellingson retired from Rosemount High School. 
 
The AATF-Minnesota helps me network with other French teachers at different schools. There are so many resources available on the internet, but it does not replace the relationships and friendships that I have been blessed to have as I connect with other educators. 

It was through an AATF-Minnesota annual dinner in the spring of 2012 that I initially met Mary Kuettner and later in the summer, she interviewed me for a position at Eastview High School.

Contact information for Hannah

treasureraatfmn@gmail.com