Q&A with Andréanne Annis

What do you love about teaching at FWCD?

I love guiding Falcons in developing their moral compass and prepping for college and shaping tomorrow’s leaders! I came to FWCD in 2002 after serving as President of the North Texas Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). My passion for teaching is demonstrated by communicating information and modeling core values through a variety of techniques. We sing, rap and act to learn tools to express thoughts and be understood. If learning a second language is a long process of re-discovering how to communicate, teaching a language empowers students to embark on a journey that may change how they view the world and themselves.

How does it feel to be a Club Viginti member?

I was humbled and proud to join this group of faculty and staff who have served the School for 20 years or more. It’s a dream come true! I recall a dinner with Evan Peterson [H’15] during his first year as Head of School where he asked us to share our professional aspirations. I said: “I’d like to earn a stone,” referring to the old stones representing Club Viginti members. I added that I wasn’t sure what education would look like in 20 years, but I was committed to living out our mission to inspire the passion to learn, the courage to lead, and the commitment to serve.

Why do you support The FWCD Fund?

I have witnessed the construction of amazing fields and buildings, including the beautiful Middle School Expansion where I teach. I know the percentage of faculty and staff participation makes a powerful impact when seeking donor gifts. This year, Hugo Muñoz and I were Faculty/Staff Fund Co-chairs. I was happy to help us get close to 100% to enhance every Falcon’s experience!

Share some fond FWCD memories and accomplishments.

I taught French to grades 5-7 for 12 years in the Middle School team. I also created a camp, Mystère à Paris, and was a Reading Council member with Debby Jennings. We co-chaired three K-12 events: Henry Hikes to Fitchburg, Earth Day, and the School’s 50th anniversary! In 2014, I moved to the Upper School, where I took students on an immersion program in Trois-Rivières, Canada; hosted French students and teachers with Language & Friendship; created a cultural experience in Normandy and Paris; took Oral Proficiency Interview training from the American Council for Teaching Foreign Languages; developed the Business French post-AP course leading to lifelong certification from the French government; and earned FWCD’s recognition from AATF as an Exemplary French Program with Honors. Outside of school, I served Fort Worth Sister Cities and contributed to adding Nîmes, France, as Fort Worth’s ninth Sister City and was a Youth Delegation Leader. Other contributions like these and Tara Forrest’s led to FWCD receiving the prestigious Eisenhower Award.