Hinsdale High School District 86: A New Beginning for the German Language Program
Hinsdale, IL – Amidst concerns over the future of the German language program in Hinsdale High School District 86, the school board has announced the hiring of a new German teacher, bringing renewed hope and excitement to the community. The teacher, whose employment was approved on Thursday, will join the district at a salary of $102,000.
Reviving a Plunging Enrollment: The hiring comes as a relief to the district, which was facing the prospect of discontinuing German courses due to the retirement of two primary teachers and dwindling enrollment. In November, the board had voted to “sunset” the program at both campuses, a decision attributed to the retirements and the enrollment drop.
A Glimpse into the Past:
Five years ago, German courses at Central Campus boasted nearly 150 students, while South Campus had 24. However, the number of students enrolled in these courses has seen a significant decline, with Central now hosting 89 students and South having only 16. The low enrollment has forced the schools to combine different levels of German in one class – a practice known as “stacking” in educational jargon.
The Search for German Teachers: A Challenging Endeavor
At the November meeting, Superintendent Michael Lach spoke of the difficulty in finding German teachers, comparing them to unicorns due to their scarcity. The challenge of recruiting German teachers is not unique to Hinsdale High School District 86; schools across the United States have reported similar struggles in recent years.
Impact on Students and the Community
The hiring of the new German teacher will have a significant impact on students and the community. For students, it ensures the continuation of the German language program and the opportunity to learn and master the language. For the community, it sends a positive message about the importance of language education and the district’s commitment to providing quality instruction.
Looking Beyond Hinsdale
The hiring of a new German teacher in Hinsdale High School District 86 is just one instance of the ongoing efforts to maintain language programs in schools across the country. According to a report by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), over 60% of U.S. schools reported a decline in the number of students enrolled in world language classes between 2019 and 2020. This trend is a cause for concern, as language education is crucial for students to succeed in an increasingly globalized world.
The World’s Perspective
From a global perspective, the decline in language education in the United States may have far-reaching consequences. In an interconnected world, the ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is essential for businesses, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. By investing in language education, we can prepare our students to thrive in a globalized world and build stronger relationships with other countries.
Conclusion: A New Chapter
The hiring of a new German teacher in Hinsdale High School District 86 marks the beginning of a new chapter for the German language program and the students it serves. This development is a testament to the district’s commitment to providing quality instruction and maintaining a robust language education program. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of language education cannot be overstated. We encourage other schools and districts to follow suit and invest in language education, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in our globalized world.
- Hinsdale High School District 86 hires new German teacher
- New teacher will join district at a salary of $102,000
- German courses facing enrollment decline and retirements
- Combination of different German levels in one class (stacking)
- Difficulty in finding German teachers
- Impact on students and the community
- Decline in language education nationwide
- Importance of language education in a globalized world
