Summary
Bonjour!
I am a native French speaker and fluent in English and Spanish. I have been teaching internationally for more than 12 years. I graduated from the University of Humanities in Aix-en-Provence, (South of France) where I got my Master degree in Teaching French as a Foreign Language. I completed it with a B.A in Modern Literature. In 2009, I received my certification to teach the International Baccalaureate programme.
As I am used to live and teach abroad, I am well prepared for the challenges that can arise with moving to a new country and culture. I am really comfortable teaching in a variety of environments and I have a broad experience teaching students of very different levels, cultures and economic backgrounds.
In my theory, languages are intrinsically linked to culture and their social value should be encouraged. In practice, I strive to reveal the richness of the language I teach by making direct references to the culture of the target language, emphasizing on different situations enhancing each topic to be useful. From my experience, a student learns more willingly when he sees an aim and a reason at a given subject.
I am familiar with the Backward Design model and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as I have been using English Central, Rosetta Stone and TV5 Monde in my classes to accomodate the 1:1 concept. I strongly believe that the current trend of technology use in language learning is compulsory to prepare our students for challenges of the 21st century.
My Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy of education is twofold: every child can learn and every child has the right to receive a meaningful education in a safe and healthy environment. I believe in providing a secure environment within the classroom by facilitating open communication between teacher and students. If a student feels comfortable and safe within the learning environment, then he or she will subsequently feel free to explore his or her own individuality and interests. From there, the student will be able to celebrate his or her own independence and identity.
It’s also a student-centered one and I always involve the students in the process of their learning. I motivate them by encouraging their active participation and connecting my teaching to real life situations. Also, I always keep an open mind to the fact that I can also learn from others, including my students.
I base my teaching upon mutual respect, communication, hard work, creativity, and a healthy sense of humor. I believe learning is not only academic but also social and emotional.
In my classroom, assessment is a part of the natural learning environment. Teacher and students constantly monitor progress as a part of their engagement in the learning process. Students learn to reflect upon their work while advancing toward their goals. Scores are used as a tool to monitor progress, not to rank or assign value to the individual.
“Laurence came to me with the reputation of being one of the exemplary teachers at her previous jobs. She immediately validated that reputation and established herself in my company as a talented teacher and a valued working colleague. I recommend Laurence Pont most highly. She is a naturally talented teacher and I am very happy that she is going to continue exercising this gift. Any school would benefit from her buoyant enthusiasm, coupled with her keen intelligence and fluency in French. Recommending a person like Laurence is truly a pleasure.”
—Dr Stéphane Muller
Program Director of Humanities and Social Sciences at UCLA Extension - California, USA
“As an educator, it is important to know Laurence as meticulous and organized. She is careful with details and minding her professional obligations. Laurence is self-reflective and, without ego, seeks to learn and improve her work with students. She is a citizen of the world in that she appreciates diversity and diversity of opinion. Her demeanor is calm, caring, and positive. People at AISC would describe her as trustworthy and flexible in her approach to relationships. I believe she would thrive as a tutor to young children.”
—Andrew A. Hoover
Head of School American International School – Chennai
“Ms Pont was a wonderful human being who interacted passionately with her students. She showed much support and understanding to a student body mostly trained under the Anglo-Saxon system and with a bent for English. With the help of movies, cartoons, books and songs, Ms Pont made her classes very interesting. In her inimitable style, she made the students and my daughter in particular experience the places in France and its history and culture. My daughter had never been to France but is under the impression that she had visited some of its wonders thanks to Ms Pont's pedagogy.
She not only helped the children grow and improve their language skills but also to evolve as young adults as she stressed on character. Ms Pont will be a great asset to any institution. I as Thaen's father am sorry that she decided to return to her native France. Her students whether in France or elsewhere will always consider themselves fortunate.”
—Mr Rajarathinam Kannan
United Nations Political Affairs Officer