Hometown: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
College(s)/Degree(s):
B.A. École Supérieure du Commerce Extérieur, Paris, France
M.B.A. Lake Erie College, Ohio
J.D. Temple University, PA
Email Address: cfurey@episcopalacademy.org
Why is it important for today's students to learn a language?
From an academic standpoint, research has shown that speaking a foreign language improves your brain's analytical abilities. But it also introduces you to an incomparable cultural universe with journeys into the worlds of arts, gastronomy, architecture, and science. In the process, your view of the world expands and you become more tolerant and flexible. And lastly, learning a language can be fun!How does your personal background shape your classroom, teaching methods, or philosophy?
I went to an international school in the suburbs of Paris where half my classes were taught in French and the rest in Italian. It was a very dynamic environment where verbal communication was key. In high school, I learned English in a completely different way, with a teacher lecturing on grammar concepts and students filling out worksheets. When I arrived in the States, it was more difficult than I anticipated for me to understand English and speak it. My experience with studying English was in marked contrast to my previous experience with Italian. What it taught me was that unless you use the language in a meaningful way, you will not only retain very little of it but you will be unable to communicate. The classroom should be a lively environment.How has an EA education benefited your own children?
The education at EA is unparalleled. Our children have had the privilege of being taught by teachers not only very qualified but also passionate about their subjects. There were many dinner conversations spent listening to our children explaining a new science concept or recounting a historical event the way the teacher had presented it. Small class sizes also allowed our children to flourish, whether they needed extra help or conversely if they needed to be challenged in a specific subject area.Outside of the academic arena, our children benefitted tremendously from the competitive sports program that is offered at EA and the varied extra-curricular activities. Finally, our children know that the EA community has always cared for them and will always be there in good and bad times.