Meet Sarah Vandeweerd

Sarah, our dedicated French teacher, has been an integral part of ISL's vibrant community for many years. With her rich multicultural background and deep-rooted connection to the school, her teaching journey is shaped by diverse experiences, from growing up in various countries to following in her mother's footsteps as an educator. In this interview, Sarah shares her insights on ISL’s evolution, her approach to language teaching, and the core values that fuel her commitment to her students.

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at ISL?

Hello, my name is Sarah, and I am a dedicated French teacher at the International School of Luxembourg. As a native French speaker with a deep passion for my language, I have the privilege of teaching and guiding students from Grade 6 through to the Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11 and 12. My role at ISL is multifaceted, allowing me to engage with students not only in their language learning journey but also in their personal development. I am of mixed heritage, with a father from Belgium (though my family name is originally from the Netherlands) and a mother from Burundi and Rwanda. I consider myself very fortunate because, thanks to my father’s job, I grew up in many countries across Africa, Europe, and South America. This international and multicultural upbringing has profoundly shaped my perspective and teaching approach.

You have been with ISL for a long time. How has the school evolved during your tenure?

During my tenure at the International School of Luxembourg (ISL), I have witnessed significant growth and evolution. I actually started at ISL in 2002 and 2003 with a student job during the holidays while at university, giving me a good perspective on the school’s evolution over the years. Then, I worked here as a substitute teacher in 2016 and became a formal teacher in 2018. I have seen the school growing and I am seeing it turning into a full IB school. With a multicultural community of over 40 nationalities, ISL fosters inclusivity and respect for diverse cultures. My international background has allowed me to contribute to this vibrant environment. Overall, my time at ISL has been marked by a commitment to innovation and inclusivity.

Your mother was also a teacher at ISL. How has that family connection influenced your experience and role at the school?

My mother has been a significant influence on my journey at ISL. She started teaching at ISL in 2002, setting a high standard with her dedication and ability to inspire both students and colleagues. Growing up, I admired her deeply, and when I joined ISL, I felt both pride and pressure to uphold her legacy. This connection made ISL feel like home, surrounded by a supportive community. My mother’s legacy has shaped my values as an educator, driving me to strive for excellence and build strong relationships with my students. I am grateful to continue her legacy and be part of a school that feels like family.

What did you do prior to working at ISL, and what brought you to our school?

Prior to joining ISL, I had a diverse career in education and language instruction. I founded and directed my own language school in Brazil, where I taught French and managed curriculum development. Additionally, I co-founded a martial arts school, fostering discipline and physical fitness through martial arts classes, and a Brazilian restaurant featuring typical food from my state, Minas Gerais.

I have always worked in the language field, but before becoming a French teacher, I worked with deaf children in sign language, which was my first career.

Upon returning to Europe, my journey to ISL was influenced by my mother and my desire to work in a multicultural environment committed to excellence and holistic education. Since joining ISL in 2016, I have developed engaging lesson plans, collaborated on interdisciplinary projects, and supported students’ growth. My diverse background and family connection to ISL drive my commitment to fostering a nurturing and inspiring learning environment.

What does your typical day look like as an Upper School French teacher?

My day starts early, arriving at school between 07:00 and 07:15 to prepare my classroom and create a welcoming environment. Every morning at 08:25, I meet with my Grade 6 homeroom class, setting a positive tone for the day with lots of good energy and vibrations. As a full-time teacher, I teach French to various grade levels, including middle and high school, and the Diploma Programme (DP) classes. I also teach the Changemakers program, which inspires students to think creatively and develop solutions to real-world problems. As you can imagine, I am really busy! Twice a week, I participate in activities like Pilates, yoga, or African dance classes at school, helping me maintain balance and connect with colleagues. Throughout the day, I engage students with dynamic lessons, collaborate with colleagues, and assess student work. I typically stay at school until 18:00 to complete my work and prepare for the next day, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. I really try to never bring work home! Overall, my days are filled with teaching, learning, and inspiring students within the supportive and vibrant ISL community.

What do you love most about your work at ISL, particularly in teaching French?

What I love most about my work at ISL, particularly in teaching French, is witnessing the incredible growth and confidence my students develop over time. It’s truly rewarding to see them transform from the beginning of the year, progressing through the grades, and eventually becoming young adults who can communicate effectively in French both inside and outside of school. This journey of growth and the ability to make a real impact on their lives is what makes my job so fulfilling.

Additionally, I love my colleagues and the strong bonds we have created. We are more than just colleagues; we truly help and support each other, making ISL a nice place to work.

How do you keep students engaged and excited about learning a new language?

To keep students engaged and excited about learning French, I tap into their natural curiosity. For my Grade 6 students, I design slides with interesting pictures and GIFs, creating an element of surprise as they never know what will appear next. For all my classes I pay close attention to the design of these slides to make them visually appealing and engaging. 

I also make connections between the students and the language. Living in Luxembourg, where French is commonly spoken, I emphasize that learning French is not just for the classroom but also for real-life situations. This helps students see the practical value of the language and motivates them to learn and use it both inside and outside of school.

What are some unique opportunities students have in your French program that they might not get elsewhere?

In my French program, students benefit from a personalized learning experience that is carefully designed with empathy and care. I strive to create a nurturing environment where each student feels valued and understood, which helps build their confidence and encourages them to take risks in their language learning. My lessons are dynamic and interactive, incorporating multimedia elements like pictures, GIFs, and videos to keep students engaged and make learning fun. I emphasize the practical use of French in real-life situations, helping students see the value of the language beyond the classroom. Additionally, students are exposed to French culture through various activities and discussions, which deepens their appreciation for the language. Collaborative projects encourage teamwork and critical thinking, while the supportive ISL community provides a positive learning environment.

How do you incorporate culture, history, and current events into your French lessons to give students a broader understanding of the Francophone world?

I am passionate about incorporating culture, history, and current events into my French lessons. Using authentic materials like news broadcasts and articles, I provide students with real-world context for their language learning. Our curriculum allows us to explore these topics in depth, sometimes making me feel like a history teacher, especially when discussing significant events like the Second World War. 

I also use my background to introduce students to different realities, such as my experiences when I was a lower school student in the Sahara desert in Zinder, Niger. This helps students gain a broader understanding of the Francophone world and its rich cultural and historical tapestry, enhancing their language skills and broadening their perspectives.

What do you think is unique about ISL's approach to teaching languages?

At ISL, we emphasize cultural immersion and use authentic materials to teach languages. Our approach integrates language learning with other subjects, helping students see practical applications. We create a supportive environment where students feel safe to take risks and make mistakes. This holistic approach ensures our students become confident communicators in a globalized world.

What are some of the most important skills a student should acquire today, particularly in language learning?

In today’s world, particularly in language learning, students should acquire strong social and communication skills. I firmly believe that collaboration and empathy are crucial. Students need to work well with others, take responsibility for their actions, give and receive feedback, make fair decisions, manage conflicts, and listen actively to different viewpoints.

Effective communication is really important to me. I believe students should be able to exchange thoughts and information clearly, read and write proficiently, argue their ideas logically, and use language conventions appropriately both orally and in writing. It’s also essential to understand and interpret body language and cultural cues.

These skills help students connect with others, understand different perspectives, and communicate effectively in various contexts, preparing them for success in a globalized world. And it is for all these reasons that I fully align with the philosophy of our school, ISL, which is an IB school. These principles of the IB approach to learning resonate deeply with me.

How do you define the success of a student in both language acquisition and personal growth?

Personally, I think that success in both language acquisition and personal growth involves understanding and using the language in various contexts, appreciating cultural nuances, and developing confidence, independence, empathy, collaboration, critical thinking, and resilience. For me, success is also seen in the body language of my students. At the beginning of the year, some may not smile or stand straight, but as the year progresses, they become more confident, open, and smiling. They are no longer worried about making mistakes; they speak and live with enthusiasm in French. 

Can you share a memorable experience or project from your time at ISL that you are particularly proud of?

I have so many memorable experiences, but if I have to choose one, it would be a collaborative project a few years ago with my Grade 6 class and another French class taught by my mother. Our students wrote a Christmas story, “Un conte de Noël,” and we invited some K2 or Grade 1 students to the Upper School to listen to the story. The Grade 6 students read and performed their story, and it was a truly magical moment. The younger children were smiling and super happy, and the Grade 6 students were incredibly proud of themselves. It was also a special experience for me to work and collaborate with my mother. This project exemplifies how, as language teachers, we do much more than teach words, sentences, or grammar. We create lasting memories in the language, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for it. Seeing the joy and pride on the students’ faces was a reminder of the profound impact we can have through creative and collaborative projects

What do you think is unique about ISL?

Our love for our students.

Describe ISL in five words:

Home, Inclusive, Global, Supportive, Personalized