Adrienne Barnes

Name:  Adrienne Barnes    

School: Polson High School

Language(s) Taught: Spanish

Years of Experience: 4 years teaching Spanish in Montana and 4 years teaching English in Japan.

​Education: BA in Spanish with Teacher Licensure and International Studies from Harding University, AR; MA in progress - Teaching English as a Second Language from University of Birmingham, UK

What is the most rewarding part of your career as a language teacher? Seeing students’ eyes open and their worlds expand as they begin to understand and care about things beyond their own noses, beyond their own country, beyond their own culture - that is definitely the most rewarding part for me.  I love to see their curiosity, compassion, and perspective grow.

What is one personal or professional goal that you have for yourself, your school or your department? My goal is to continue to grow and expand our second language department, to offer AP and more course options.  I would like to become licensed to teach Japanese as well and further expand the language offerings at Polson High School.  In addition to taking students to Spain and Peru, I would also one day like to take them to Japan.

What is one of your favorite travel experiences?  On of my favorite trips was showing friends some amazing off-the-beaten path places in Japan, bicycling the Shimanami Kai Do, and dancing in the Yosakoi Festival.

​Do you have any advice for other world language teachers?  Travel, share your passion, spark your students’ curiosity.  Culture is infinitely more inspiring than grammar. And, join MALT!  It’s a superb resource, from which I have benefitted immensely.