Maria is German teacher of the year
COLAISTE BRIDE Enniscorthy teacher Maria Whitty has been named German Teacher of the Year at the German Teachers Association of Ireland’s National Conference in Trinity College.
Maria was selected for the prestigous award by a representatives of the GDI, the German Embassy and the Goethe-Institut. Deputy Principal of the School Niall Moynihan said that the award is fantastic recognition of the hard work and dedication held by the teacher.
Maria is known throughout the school for her colourful classroom and creative lessons. A cupboard full of German chocolate and sweets for special occasions proves to be extremely popular among her students, as is her collection of DVDs which she makes available for borrowing over weekends. Throughout the year, she encourages the student to get into the festive spirit for occasions such as Fasching or Ostern and decorates her room to match the festival. A favourite is always the ‘Moktoberfest’ which is her non-alcoholic take on the Ok- toberfest. The celebration includes German sausages such as Bratwurst, Bierwurst, Weirwurst and Currywurst. Students drink a non alcoholic German soft drink called Speziwhich is served in a class set of german beer mugs to the sound of German brass instrument music.
Maria also organises the exchange programme with Colaiste Bride’s partner school in Bruckmuhl in southern Bavaria, which involves German students and their teachers coming to Wexford for a week staying with host families from Coláiste Bríde. Later that year students from Coláiste Bríde then visit Bavaria staying with families there. The €500 grant that the school received as part of this award will go to sponsor a worthy candidate on the next German exchange.
Her students have described her as a ‘very supportive and patient’ teacher who gives up her own free time to help them with their studies.
‘You won’t find a more deserving winner of this award. Mrs Whitty goes above and beyond the call of duty to help each and every one of her students with German learning,’ said Principal of Coláiste Bríde Kiera O’Sullivan.