Heidi Lechner
I grew up in a New York suburb in an English-speaking household, but was actually raised biculturally. My father is an immigrant from Munich and as a child, I attended year-round Bavarian events where I was surrounded by the Bavarian dialect and immigrant culture. I eventually learned the German language after years of Saturday school, high school classes and study abroad. I use this story to bolster my students' confidence that a language can successfully be learned in the classroom.
Currently, I am both a German teacher and an Instructional Coach at Libertyville High School in northern Illinois. I have taught German at a variety of levels - I started my career teaching college at the University of Buffalo while pursuing a doctorate in German literature and then moved to teaching high school, which I found to be my true passion. I have taught all levels of German and hosted clubs and exchanges. Being a German teacher is both exhausting and exhilarating.
I have found the Goethe-Institut and AATG to be invaluable sources of inspiration and information, both as a new and veteran teacher. As the current Past President of the Northern Illinois AATG chapter and a regular presenter at language conferences, I bring those experiences also to my coaching and my role as a trainer. As a GEM, I am here to help, listen, and guide other German teachers in their journey.