With more than 16 years of experience teaching French and Spanish, Shane LeFaure has developed a deep passion for languages that goes far beyond the walls of the classroom. Learning languages opens opportunities to communicate, explore different cultures and build connections with people worldwide, making it an essential skill in our world.
Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, and raised in Indiana, LeFaure has always embraced the beauty of language and culture. Having taught at numerous high and middle schools across Indiana, LeFaure has a lot of experience teaching languages.
“I have taught as a full-time teacher at Carmel High School, West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School, Edgewood High School, Lafayette Jefferson High School and Logansport High School,” LeFaure said. “I trained at Richland Bean Blossom Community School Corporation, Nashville High School and Batchelor Middle School in Bloomington, Indiana.”
With his knowledge of languages, LeFaure has spent many years of his life educating himself to further his academic profile.
LeFaure has dedicated over eight years to their education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish literature, a Master’s in Secondary Education and degrees in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. LeFaure was a Surgical Technologist and a Surgical Assistant for 14 years. He has studied at multiple universities across the country, and even spent a year in Spain at the University of Madrid.
A graduate of Indiana University Bloomington, LeFaure continues to pursue further education, taking courses for Dual Credit Certification and maintaining his licenses. His long-lasting academic journey shows his commitment to learning. Language teaching is not just about grammar and vocabulary, LeFaure is equally passionate about cultural exploration as he is in teaching his students.
“I have spent time mostly in Paris, Aix-en-Provence and Bordeaux. However, I spent the summer of 2018 visiting two schools, two teachers and their communities in Mulhouse, France and Chateaudun,” said LeFaure. “In addition, I have spent time vacationing all over France except for Brittany and Normandie, two places I would love to visit one day.”
(Courtesy of French Club)
Teaching languages is all about the exploration of diversity.
“I really enjoy teaching about the language, culture, geography and history,” LeFaure said. “As I teach it, students and I always discover something new.”
One key motivator for language learning lies in the natural curiosity of young minds as they want to learn about different cultures and their daily lives.
“Children love rhymes, language, poetry, music and art,” said LeFaure. “Language is an art with rhymes, poetry and music. This is one of our primary forms of communication as humans and children love to learn without them even knowing it.”
(Courtesy of Spanish Club)
As an explorer and learner himself, LeFaure highlights his favorite thing to do with his classes.
“The most interesting things I have done are taking students to museums and traveling abroad,” LeFaure said.
For students who are considering enrolling in French or Spanish classes, LeFaure shares a reason to take the path.
“Students should take French or Spanish if they are interested in the French language and culture or Spanish language and culture,” LeFaure said. “If a student has a particular heritage in either Spanish or French, they could discover more about themselves. Their ancestry, and the people who have influenced these languages and cultures.”
