IUHPFL Indiana Teacher Appreciation

Jen Brunty

Spanish

Western Boone Jr./Sr. High School

"I have had Señora Brunty as my teacher ever since my sophomore year of high school. While she taught us Spanish grammar and vocabulary, she also taught us the culture of Spanish and the people that speak it. She pushed us to speak, perform, sing, read, and get excited about the class. With Señora Brunty as my teacher, she transformed my Spanish class from a graduation requirement into a passion to learn the beautiful Spanish language. She is truly one of a kind. She truly cares for her students, wants them to succeed, and helps them to achieve all they wish to do. Through her classes I have also learned many life lessons. She taught me to be brave, to try new things, and much more through her Mama Brunty pep talks. She was my biggest cheerleader going into the IUHPFL program and I am so incredibly grateful for everything she has done for me. I hope everybody can be lucky enough to have a teacher as wonderful as Señora Brunty."

-Hannah Hayden, Oviedo 2024

Judd Klingerman

Spanish

Batesville High School

"Señor Klingerman is dedicated to improving students’ Spanish education. Over his six years at Batesville High School, he has consistently pushed his students to excel and apply their classroom learning in real-world contexts. While he is an outstanding educator, he also creates an enjoyable and engaging classroom environment, earning him the title of favorite teacher at our school. Known for his enthusiasm, Señor Klingerman goes all out on school spirit days and actively spreads school spirit. Additionally, he leads multiple teacher organizations and oversees the Skillsline Development Series, a professional development program designed to prepare students for college or the workforce.

When I struggled with Spanish, Señor Klingerman recognized my passion for the language and encouraged me to study abroad in Spain. He provided extra tutoring and support to ensure I could make the IUHPFL experience impactful. Beyond that, he inspired and prepared nine other students from our school to travel abroad, enhancing their language skills and broadening their horizons.

On behalf of my fellow classmates, we deeply appreciate all that he does for us and are incredibly grateful for his contributions to both our academic growth and personal development."

-Isaac Trossman, Ciudad Real 2024

"Mr. Klingerman is a phenomenal Spanish teacher who incorporates a mixture of learning and fun into his teaching style. He has quite a way with persuasion when sending his students to Spain. He sent ten kids to Spain last year, which leaves many surprised considering the fact that Batesville is one of the smallest schools that participates in the program. Mr. Klingerman began suggesting that I should go to Spain my sophomore year, and he practically bullied me into going until my junior year! I would have never taken the opportunity to study abroad and strengthen my Spanish skills without his persuasion though. Despite his quirks, he is a genuinely well-spoken and intelligent individual who inspired me to live my own life to the fullest. Mr. Klingerman is not just a teacher, but he is like a friend who pushes you to put yourself in new and uncertain situations in order to become the best version of yourself."

-Lucy Abplanalp, Oviedo 2024

David Rosenbaum

German

Marian High School

"Herr Rosenbaum formed the very basis of knowledge that I have in the German language and cultural knowledge of Germany that I am using today to pursue a double major in German and International Business at a liberal arts school. He pushed me to apply to IUHPFL, and I ended up having an amazing time, and I plan to study abroad once again. Herr Rosenbaum's teaching style and first-hand knowledge of the subject along with extensive experience with international travel and business formed me into a well-rounded and well-based student in just four years' time, ready to further my studies at University."

-Henry Mehlberg, Graz 2023

Shannon Swann

French

University High School of Indiana

"I am nominating my French Teacher, Mme Swann, because she is an amazing teacher and an overall inspiring person. She had an awesome impact on my IUHPFL journey, and she was actually my professor in France, too! She is truly passionate about what she teaches, and that is what makes me excited to learn every day. Her class is challenging, but I feel like it strengthens my language skills. While she is one of the best teachers I've ever had, she is also one of the most amazing people I've ever met. She takes the time to learn about all of her students, not just academically but also as individuals. Even before IUHPFL, I would find myself going home after school and learning more about topics that we had learned in class. For example, one day, Mme Swann was talking about Le Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, and I just thought it sounded so cool, so I went home to learn more about it. Come to find out, I got to go there in person this past summer! She makes me want to learn more and makes me curious about all things to do with the French language and culture. Having her as a teacher has reinforced my dream of becoming a teacher in the future as well. If I can have the same impact on one kid that she has had on all of her students, I will be forever grateful. She is an amazing person and teacher, and I am so happy I have had the opportunity to learn from her over the past couple of years."

-Grace Cates, Saint-Brieuc 2024