About the Teacher In Montpellier, France My last name is Polish (pronounced sha-bill-ski), but I was born and raised right here in Minnesota. I attended Macalester College where I majored in French and Sociology. While there, I spent a semester teaching English in Dakar, Senegal through Minnesota Studies in International Development. After graduation, I was an English language assistant in Montpellier, France. Upon my return from Europe, In Dakar, Sénégal I was introduced to, and fell in love with, French immersion through my work at Normandale Elementary (our sister school in Edina). I am currently finishing up a Master's in Teaching with a specialization in foreign languages and cultures at the University of St. Thomas. In my spare time, I can be found rock climbing on the bluffs around the region, doing crossword puzzles, playing the violin, cycling Climbing in Squamish, BC. around the metro area, or sipping tea at home with my cat (no, my cat doesn't actually drink tea, but sits on my lap while I do). I hope to establish a respectful environment in my classroom where all students are comfortable taking academic risks. I'm enthusiastic about immersion education and am looking forward to another great year working with the students and parents of LNFI!