This year we welcome two new teachers to the Southern Lehigh staff: long-term substitute Spanish teacher, Ms. McDermott, and new French teacher Ms. Hackenberg. Since they get to learn about their students in class, we thought it best to get to know them as well.
Ms. Hackenberg
Q: What influenced you to teach a foreign language?
A: Taking a foreign language in high school.
Q: Have you studied abroad?
A: Yes, I lived in Montpellier, France while studying there.
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: I went to Penn State for my undergrad, and received my masters at Bloomsburg
Q: What do you love about teaching?
A: There’s so many things, but probably when I know the kids are really interested in French, it makes things more exciting.
Q: Fun fact?
A: I have two corgis!
Ms. McDermott
Q: What influenced you to teach a foreign language?
A: First, when I was a kid I was influenced by my grandfather who was from Rio de Janeiro, who spoke Portuguese. Later, when I took AP Spanish as a Senior I traveled to Spain and Madrid and fell in love with traveling and the culture.
Q: Have you studied abroad?
A: Aside from my trip while I was in AP Spanish, I worked abroad and taught English in Madrid for one year, and just came back this summer.
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: I went to Shippensburg University
Q: What do you love about teaching?
A: Aside from the students’ progress which is amazing, I love the unexpected things that students say.
Q: Fun fact?
A: I like to write music and play guitar, and I love to participate in open mic nights!
