• April 4, 2019

    World language program earns Golden Globe Award

    World Language Teachers Upper St. Clair High School was recently honored with a Golden Globe Award from the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association as part of its PSMLA Exemplary Program (PEP) Awards Showcase.

    The PEP Awards include four award categories: Globe, Bronze Globe, Silver Globe and Golden Globe, the highest level of recognition. Upper St. Clair is one of only three high schools in Allegheny County to earn the Golden Globe. The other schools include Pittsburgh Allderdice High School and Vincentian Academy.

    “The Golden Globe award serves as a good reminder of the work our teachers do for students every day,” Mr. Marc-Andre Clermont, French teacher and World Language Department chairperson, said. “Being able to fulfill the gold standard requirements set by PSMLA is a great testament to our teachers' expertise in the field and their ability to engage students while utilizing the best teaching strategies recommended for language acquisition.”

    Established in 2005, the PEP Awards honor exemplary Pennsylvania high school world language programs. Schools must submit documented evidence that includes a high percentage of world language enrollment, languages offered in four-year sequences, retention of students at higher levels and other key instructional practices.

    More than 85 percent of Upper St. Clair High School students are enrolled in world language courses that include French, German, Spanish, Latin, Chinese and Japanese.

    “Our community values and understands the importance of global mindedness,” Mr. Clermont said. “We have the privilege of working in a district that understands and supports the learning of world languages.”

    Founded in 1919, PSMLA is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to the teaching and learning of languages and cultures from kindergarten through university levels. For more information about the organization, visit www.psmla.net.