Christine Connor
Born in Rheinland-Pfalz, I spent my childhood and most of my young adult life in Germany. That is also where I completed my college education and teacher training. I received my Master’s degree in German, English and American Literature and Linguistics and Education from the Saarland University. I completed my student teaching in beautiful Heidelberg and shortly after, in 2008, my husband and I relocated to Upstate New York. Ever since then, I have been teaching German at the Middle, High School and College Level in the NYS public school system and enjoying every minute of it.
The learning curve was steep, however. I quickly realized that there are many challenges German instructors in the U.S. face as teachers of an elective subject, with limited World Language credits as graduation requirements and program success depending on enrollment. I took it as a challenge and over the course of the past 12 years, I would say that a continued commitment to best practices, effective and highly motivating student-centered teaching strategies, professional development and life-long learning, exchanging ideas with colleagues, connecting with students and a whole lot of enthusiasm informed my teaching approach.
The enthusiasm about the art and craft of teaching also led to my connection with AATG (currently I am the secretary of the Hudson Valley chapter) and the Goethe-Institut. As a Coach, GEM and colleague, I hope to support fellow German teachers with their professional growth and expertise, as well as help them connect to other German teachers on a local and national level to grow and strengthen their programs.