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Languages

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The goal of Emma Willard School’s Language Department is to guide our students to become competent listeners, speakers, readers and writers of languages other than English.

With a strong grammar foundation and plenty of time devoted to speaking, Emma graduates draw upon their competency in French, Chinese, Latin or Spanish to continue on to higher level language coursework in college. We also boast a number of graduates who put their language skills to use not only in their majors, minors and study abroad programs, but also in their careers.

We emphasize the cultural nuances necessary to gracefully navigate interactions with native speakers. In studying the cultures in which the languages have arisen, we examine both historical and current cultural phenomena. The global nature of Emma Willard’s student population enhances this examination as students become familiar with different perspectives both in target language countries and in the various cultures represented within the classroom.

As students gain linguistic and cultural competence, we are able to explore in greater depth the literature of the various target language countries. We start with shorter works as early as level one, and the readings increase in length and complexity as students progress to higher levels.

At Emma Willard, we view language study as more than a means to acquire a tool. We design our language classes to give students a safe opportunity to take risks and make mistakes. As a result, students learn to be resourceful in communicating without English. The coping skills that result from this uncertainty transfer to other academic subjects and life in general. The language faculty share a commitment to conducting class in the target language, personalizing the experience for students, and creating an authentic linguistic and cultural environment in the classroom. The language hallway resounds with chatting and laughter, because we value creative and joyful self-expression.

French IV Trip to Montreal!

French IV traveled to Montréal with Manon Sabatier and Jon Calos where they met and connected with Emma alumnae from the classes of ’67, ’86, ’18, and ’20, with a Congolese refugee and her family, and with a local writer who held a writing workshop in French! Students cooked African dishes, wrote poetry and zines in French, and discovered how the Québécois embrace winter—snow, cold, and all!

A woman standing in front of flowering lilacs smiling.

French instructor, Emma Green club advisor, outdoor education instructor, and sustainability task force member Manon Sabatier’s multifaceted teaching approach helps students—and adults—find the connections to build lasting opportunities for change on campus and in our world. 

chinese class project

Chinese III had a special Experiential Learning Unit in May where students extended their knowledge beyond the language, explored traditional Chinese art, and applied their diverse skills in a fundraiser event.

audrey f award

Audrey F. ’25 was selected as a finalist out of thousands of Chinese students in the eastern part of the United States for a prestigious Chinese competition called “Chinese Bridge Competition,” or “汉语桥,” at the Chinese Institute In America hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in New York City. 

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Experiential Learning moves language learning beyond the classroom.

Download our course catalog for more details and graduation requirements.

Course Catalog

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Language Faculty

Ms. Gina Egan

Ms. Gina Egan

Language Department Chair, Spanish Instructor, Head JV Field Hockey Coach
Ms. Eloise Bererd

Ms. Eloise Bererd

French Instructor
Ms. Guangyu Hao

Ms. Guangyu Hao

Chinese Instructor, Head Swimming & Diving Coach
Dr. Charles LeBel

Dr. Charles LeBel

Spanish Instructor, Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach
Dr. Robert Matera

Dr. Robert Matera

Latin Instructor
Ms. Domenica Petulla

Ms. Domenica Petulla

Spanish Instructor
Ms. Manon Sabatier

Ms. Manon Sabatier

French Instructor