August 2011
FLAG SPOTLIGHT on Herr David Jahner, World Language Director Gwinnett County Schools by Dr. Jaime Claymore
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Herr David Jahner, current FLAG Past President and newly minted SCOLT Executive Director. I have worked under the auspices of David, whose "real" job (the one he gets paid to do) is Foreign Language Coordinator for Gwinnett County Public Schools, for the past six years. In that time, I have become a better teacher, a better student, and most of all, a better person and I believe that many of my improvements have happened due to David's influence. Although I do not know that much about David personally, I do know that his passion for languages shines in everything he does. (And no, David is not my boss, so I am not kissing up!) I recently had the pleasure of attending a mandatory staff training hosted by David for foreign language teachers in Gwinnett. Oh, I know what you are thinking nothing about 'mandatory staff training' sounds pleasurable. But, how many times have you danced to Madonna at staff training?! I think that I have been to three different FL meetings now where that has happened-and David leads the dancing! At these sessions, there is an atmosphere of excitement for teaching and learning because of the thought that David (and his lovely assistant, Gloria) has put into the presentations. At this most recent meeting, David taught me to imagine again. He showed me how my imagination can be one of my most powerful tools in the classroom. Further, David showed us all how our students’ imaginations must be tapped in order for real learning, the kind that gives you goose bumps, to occur. David challenged us all to not just think outside the box, but imagine with the box - because it's not a box - it's a spaceship, a shield, and a hat.
David inspires me to plan my work and work my plans so that my programs soar. With his help, I have imagined my classroom, a Latin classroom, where all of my students are speaking, where the internet can be used to transmit original Latin, and where everyone has goose bumps daily. I am well on my way to making my dreams into realities. For Gwinnett County and beyond, David is an advocate, a cheerleader, and an inspiration. He offers real classroom activities, practical research, cutting-edge technology and undying energy all at the same time whenever he presents. He even provides these essentials in 5 minute conversations! I cannot thank David enough for his passion, his praise, and all of his performances especially when he shows the teachers of Gwinnett and beyond, that he is a real person from South Dakota, who loves the far away flatlands and the high flying roller coasters between here and there. He loves reaching students from every place, and that he truly cares about teaching people to communicate in every language. ~Dr. Jaime Claymore, Ph.D., Latin Teacher Mountain View High School
Joe Frank Uriz, Ed.S. Foreign Language Association of Georgia
Please send any information and/or news on any excellent World Language Teachers Leaders "caught in the act" of doing a excellent job in your school/district and/or foreign language events your school/district may be celebrating (such as but not limited to contests, festivals, performances, camps, etc.) These items will be posted in a monthly news e-mail and sent out through FLAG Listserv.