Meeting Magnet’s New Teachers: the French Department
With the 2025-2026 school year, Academic Magnet has gained two new teachers in the French Department, replacing Dr. Altman and Mr. Jent. We interviewed these two new teachers to learn more about them, where they come from, and what to expect from them this year.
I: Ms. Patrick
Ms. Patrick is teaching French 1, French 2, and French 3, and has previously acted as a student teacher under Dr. Altman. She is very enthusiastic to teach at Academic Magnet in particular, telling us that “I was determined to get back here” and “This place is magical!” She enthused, “ I love that AMHS values language and culture. I love that the brightest students come here.” She spoke to us about what she expected of her students: she values effort above simply getting the right answer and hopes that her students will care about learning French and advancing their own personal knowledge. “I like students to feel comfortable, but to push themselves. I love to see it when they ‘get it.’ I do not give answers, but provide everything you need to put it all together.”
Our new French teacher also talked to us about her whereabouts before coming to Academic Magnet. Previously, she taught at Phillip Simmons High School, and, additionally, “I have also been an administrator in Florida, and a first grade French immersion teacher.” She is currently working on her Educational Doctorate in Inquiry and Practice at the College of Charleston. She describes herself as “cheerful, passionate, and curious,” and, outside of her teaching career, she likes to “do yoga, run, garden and DIY around the house.” She also has four children named Jackson, Colston, Adaline, and Beaumon, who, according to her, “keep me busy.” Unfortunately, she was also recently injured in a “golfing accident,” and advises her students to “please be patient,” as “[it] is a long recovery.”
She also has some recommendations for her students. Specifically, she tells them to “just keep swimming” and “push [your]selves.” She says that she is, “excited to have students who care and will be much more fluent in French by taking 4 years!” Overall, she is incredibly excited to work at Academic Magnet, describing it as a “dream come true!” She considers her career at Magnet a highlight of her life, and hopes to foster the same sentiment in her present and future French students: “This place is magical!”
II: Dr. Bard
Dr. Bard is teaching French 4, French 5, and AP French. A former college professor at North Central College in Illinois, Dr. Bard is eager to dive into Raptor culture! He said that he is most excited to “understand the culture and level of performance” at AMHS. “It has an amazing reputation!” he added.
What drew him here was simple: “the opportunity to teach French to amazing students.”He hopes to make himself known for being “serious about his work, but liking to have fun,”,and he is ready to bring his interactive and energetic style to the classroom. Dr. Bard is currently reflecting on one his favorite quotes by Voltaire, a French philosopher and writer: “Il faut cultiver notre jardin” (We must cultivate our garden).
Outside of school, Dr. Bard enjoys riding his motorcycle, spending time with his pets, working on house projects, and reading. With degrees from Wheaton College and Penn State University, he brings both academic expertise and fresh enthusiasm to the French department.
When asked to share one thing everyone should know about him, Dr. Bard cryptically replied that his “life and identity were created by the Witness Protection Program,” adding a mysterious twist to his Raptor profile. With his humor and passion for teaching, Dr. Bard is ready to make a big impact here at AMHS!
