Tag Archives: teaching

A Letter of Gratitude to a Stranger

Posted on November 29, 2019 by maryannniemczura

Tasked with writing a letter expressing gratitude to someone who changed their lives but whom they never thanked, my students had a project for Thanksgiving to write the letter of gratitude and to surprise the person they were thanking by … Continue reading →

Posted in a German guardian angel, compassion of a stranger, Fulbright Exchange Year 1990-91, gratitude letter to a stranger | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Music Colors My Life!

Posted on December 28, 2018 by maryannniemczura

Musical notes, beats, rests, keys, sharps, flats, major, minor, staff, treble clef, bass clef, rhythms, voices, moods, time signatures, adagio, allegro, forte, chant, chamber, carols, classical, dynamics, fermata, leitmotifs, sonata, staff, concerto, tones, voices – all this and more characterize … Continue reading →

Posted in Berkshire Choral International, classical music, Happy New Year 2019, music composer, Symphoria, Syracuse Chorale, Syracuse Pops Chorus, Teaching, teaching German | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Many Moons

Posted on June 9, 2017 by maryannniemczura

Many moons on this earth. Many moons of teaching. Many moons of hard work. Many moons of leisure. Many moons of travel. Many moons of smiles. I thirst for original, firsthand accounts which I can see with my own eyes … Continue reading →

Posted in family, firsthand accounts, forming opinions, moon, pondering life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Social Graces

Posted on February 26, 2016 by maryannniemczura

During my years in Germany, I learned about the social graces expected of me. I am speaking of the skills used to interact politely in social situations which include manners, etiquette, deportment, fashion and refinement. Basically, I discovered that being … Continue reading →

Posted in German etiquette, gift giving, flowers, continental-style eating, titles, shaking hands, greetings, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

My Legacy

Posted on October 24, 2015 by maryannniemczura

Our legacies are passed down from one generation to another. The world is connected by stories, memories, traditions, dreams and hopes. Waxing philosophical I reflect on the legacies of my parents, grandparents, and other family members. What have I learned … Continue reading →

Posted in family, Goethe, languages, legacy, letters, memoir: A Past Worth Telling, music, teaching German | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

The Adagio of my Life

Posted on August 22, 2015 by maryannniemczura

Having just turned the page to a new chapter of my life this past Monday, I can ruminate on new adventures ahead. I handed over the baton to my successor and trust my students will be in good hands. Letting … Continue reading →

Posted in adagio, Fulbright to Germany, high school, pen pals, rallentando, retirement, Teaching, technology, university, video conferences | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Wir Lieben Deutsch!

Posted on June 13, 2015 by maryannniemczura

Blessed with the best profession in the world as a German teacher, I bid my students goodbye as they embark on life’s adventures. It is my custom with the seniors to offer them a handshake or a hug as they … Continue reading →

Posted in bidding goodbye, German, memories, rewarding profession, students, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Planting the Seeds

Posted on April 25, 2015 by maryannniemczura

As a teacher, I have learned to expect the unexpected. Leaning in over my desk, he almost whispered his question to me. Had I gone to college? Now we all bring different life experiences to the table. I noted he … Continue reading →

Posted in becoming a teacher, college, fortitude, graduate school, organizational skills, perseverance, Teaching, time management skills | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

How Learning German Changed My Life

Posted on March 7, 2015 by maryannniemczura

What do you consider most important in your life? Looking back, was there a single turning point in your life which made you who you are today? Probably, like most of us, life’s most eventful moments come in a series … Continue reading →

Posted in children, college education, customs in Germany, education, family, family stories, Foreign Language Learning, Free German University Study for American students, Fulbright Teacher Exchange, German culture, German language, Germany, global citizens, languages, life lessons, Parents, schools in Germany, Teacher, University of Colorado at Boulder, vocational education in Germany, world languages | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Celebrations and World Languages

Posted on February 28, 2015 by maryannniemczura

Except for our July baby, most of our family celebrations fall during January and February. We take time to honor one another and express our love with gestures such as cards, flowers, a cake or pie and dinner with family … Continue reading →

Posted in 6th grade registration for world languages, birthday celebration, birthday celebrations at school, customs in Germany, education, family, family tradition, friends, German culture, German customs, German language, global citizens, interdisciplinary projects, languages, love, pen pal letter exchanges, preparing world leaders, Teacher, Teaching, video conferences, video conferences between US & German schools | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment