Hingham Extraordinary Teacher: Emily Campbell

Name:             Emily Campbell

School:            Hingham High School

Subject:           Foreign Languages - Spanish

Grades:           9-12

In her 11th year teaching at Hingham High School, Spanish teacher Emily Campbell keeps it fresh by weaving cultural exposure into her language lessons.

Well-traveled internationally, Campbell is deepening students’ experience through her affiliation with AFS  Intercultural Programs and the Center for Cultural Exchange.

For two weeks in August, Campbell led a small group of soon-to-be seniors on a short-term exchange program through AFS. Participating in everything her students did, she lived with a Panamanian host family and contributed to the community project –constructing an outdoor stove intended to cook nutritious lunches for local elementary school students.

Having led three tourist trips to Spain, the Panama trip was different; it was the first time students lived with local families, and the first community service project.

The deep imprint of her own travel fueled Campbell’s commitment to bring students the chance to interact with a Spanish culture and help a community.

 “It is different than me to standing in front of the classroom and talking about international travel; this trip actually let me bring a true cross-cultural experience to the students.”

 In her role as AFS Club Advisor, Campbell is working to bring cultural exchange students to HHS host families, and plans to offer more trips like Panama. “I am willing to go wherever the students choose,” she said.

Also Advisor to the SADD and Spanish clubs, she noticed how the experience affected students; beyond improving their Spanish, the trip inspired deeper changes, including improved focus and confidence, in a short period of time.

 While she herself has lived in the Philippines, the exchange trip reminded Campbell of what is most important; relationships.

 “One time is not enough,” she said.

Traveling and living abroad again and again seals it in and changes life for her and her students.