Learning French in Kelly Karstrand’s classroom at Shepard High School in Palos Heights is a global experience, her students said, one that draws from other countries that speak the language.

Students regularly converse with each other in French too, going beyond merely practicing verb conjugations and memorizing words.

The Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages recently took notice and named Karstrand the Illinois Foreign Language Teacher of the Year.

“It’s not only her really good teaching skills but also her personality and that she makes everyone feel welcome,” said Wiktoria Baszewski, a senior in Karstand’s AP French class who has studied the language with Karstrand in classes since her freshman year. “Even with struggling students, she always finds a way to make them

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