Jean-Eddy Augustin, World Languages Teacher, River Hill High School and Mount Hebron High School

September 20th, 2016

Jean-Eddy Augustin, originally from Haiti, brings his experiences from living around the world to his French and Spanish classrooms. Augustin previously lived, studied and worked in Haiti, Côte d’Ivoire, France and Canada before coming to the United States. He, therefore, not only offers his River Hill and Mount Hebron students language instruction, but unique perspectives as well.

Augustin’s well-rounded background also comes from teaching a wide variety of subjects, ages and settings over the years. To name just a few, he has taught math, philosophy and physics, as well as French to young children and professionals alike. He explained that his many educator experiences have shaped him as a teacher, saying, “Each subject that you teach, you discover something different about the way kids think and the way they read their environment.”

Augustin joined HCPSS and moved to Columbia last year. Now he splits his time teaching French at River Hill, and French and Spanish at Mount Hebron. He was drawn to work in Howard County public schools because of the World Language program’s focus on proficiency. Now that he’s here, he appreciates the community. He said, “I am driven by one value, which is respect. The word ‘respect’ is important and has its place in Howard County.”

Augustin, who speaks Haitian Creole, French, Spanish and English, loves now focusing on world language education. He said, “When you teach a language, you teach a culture, you teach life, you teach open-mindedness. Knowing multiple languages helps with mathematics, physics, geography, everything.” With his top strength as “learner,” Augustin enjoys always sharing whatever he’s picked up about cultures with his students.

Teresa Goodrich, River Hill High School Spanish teacher and World Languages instructional team leader, shares how Augustin’s global background impacts his teaching with, “His students see that French and Spanish are real languages. They can see it, touch it and feel it. There’s a sense of authenticity. His background gives him a broader understanding of where some of our kids come from, which helps him interact with our students from other cultures.”

Augustin, who grew up with his father and grandfather as his role models for teachers, jumped at the opportunity to become one himself. “I come from a country where we know the importance of education even if access isn’t the best,” Augustin said. “So I enjoy being in a position to give back what I have received.” He continued, “I am here for the students. They are what motivate me to come every day.”

Goodrich said, “Jean-Eddy does everything he can to make sure he is doing his best. Not only as a French teacher communicating about the culture, but as a supportive teacher if his kids have issues in other areas. He’s very concerned with the welfare of our kids.”