French Camp

Instructor: Elizabeth Will

A little about Liz: For most of my career, I worked at Sitka High School, teaching up to five levels of French and a wide range of social studies courses from history to current global issues. I've also taught English to elementary language learners. I spend as much time as I can exploring other cultures and the world around me through travel, books, film, or shared stories. This is what I have sought to give my students: an interest in exploring new perspectives and the tools to open the doors to new worlds. 

Instructor: Marine Vanlandeghem Gillespie

A little about instructor: I was born in Lille, in northern France. I started visiting Fairbanks every year since 2014, and in 2020 I moved there permanently to grow my family. I have been teaching French for many years, both in France and in Alaska. I have worked with adults, college students, and young children. I am also raising my bilingual son in Fairbanks, where he is growing up speaking both French and English. My goal is to share my love for my language and culture with anyone who wants to learn. I like to make my lessons fun and educational. I am thankful for the chance to share French culture with my students. In my classes, there is no judgment and no pressure. I create a kind and supportive space where students can learn, play, and build confidence. With children, I use traditional songs, French stories, and books and games I enjoy. These help students learn new words and practice speaking. Over time, they become comfortable with French pronunciation and accent in a natural way.