I'm Frau Wendelken, I was born in Oregon and grew up in Michigan where I studied at Eastern Michigan University to become an Elementary school teacher. While there, I also studied French and went to England. I met my German husband towards the end of my studies and every French word I ever learned flew right out of my head as we moved to Raleigh, NC to marry and begin our careers. I began work as a Title I school Reading Specialist and later earned my Master's Degree in that area.
When the opportunity to move to Germany came up, we jumped in! We moved to Nuremberg where I began my own full immersion program to learn German. I started with the German for Immigrants classes and threw myself into my studies full-time until I was able to work comfortably in a dual-language Kindergarten. My husband's job eventually brought us here to Charlotte but I continued to study and speak German. We now have two young kids and we speak German at home as our family language. I know how effective immersion can be in language learning because I'm the product of such a program! I can't wait to share this unique perspective with my students and show them that language learning is a lifelong process full of ups, downs, advantages, awkward moments, some tears, and such joy. When I'm not teaching, I'm spending time with my kids and husband and our crazy Westie dog, Sunny. I'm reading books, going to the beach (but not reading too many books as sand castles don't build themselves), getting ready to visit family in Germany or Michigan, or helping my Dad with his apiary. I love to ignore the directions when cooking or baking, and I labor under the delusion that Pinterest crafts are quick and practical. |