Alumna Recognized for Strengthening Intercultural Understanding Among High School Students

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German teacher Megan Brazle (third from left) poses with Springdale High School students on a trip abroad.

Megan Brazle's love affair with world languages began when she traveled to Europe as a high school sophomore.

She majored in international relations, German and European studies at the U of A. The plan was a career in foreign service work. Then the Bodenhamer Fellow discovered something she loved as much languages: teaching. The fact that she could merge the two was appealing. Brazle graduated from the U of A Master of Arts in Teaching program in May 2010. She found her place as a German teacher at Springdale High School almost immediately and has remained there since.

Brazle stays sharp in her field. She has served as secretary of the Arkansas Association of Teachers of German since 2011. She's also one of only three International Baccalaureate coordinators in the state. The IB college preparatory program is time-intensive, and students require extensive support. Still, Brazle thoroughly enjoys this new role.

"It combines my love of multiculturalism and international flavor with rigorous teaching and learning," she said. "The International Baccalaureate program is world-renowned for providing quality education, and I am proud to be a part of making that happen here at Springdale."

Brazle's students, fellow teachers and school administrators wanted to see her rewarded for her dedication. They teamed up to nominate her for the 2021 Checkpoint Charlie Foundation Teacher Award. She won. Brazle received the award last fall at the American Association of Teachers of German's national conference. Each year, the award recognizes one outstanding teacher who strengthens intercultural respect and understanding in their classrooms. 

Erin Kemp, the Springdale High World Languages Department chair, wrote in her nomination, "Mrs. Brazle has built a legacy that fosters intercultural connections and stellar academic achievement. The SHS World Languages Department is honored to work alongside her."

Brazle said the win was affirming.

"Teaching can be isolating, and it's sometimes difficult to see the fruits of our labor," she said. "Being honored for encouraging students to see beyond their own small world gives me hope."

Brazle is a laid-back (but organized) type of teacher who enjoys spontaneity in class. She wants language learning to be accessible to all students. She incorporates various visual and communication aspects into her classes, knowing that everyone learns differently. Each class ends with an "exit slip" to help gauge students' learning and solidify their knowledge.

She has some advice for future teachers. "Be yourself," she said. "The best teachers are those who simply share their love of whatever they are teaching. Be clear, be simple, acknowledge the uniqueness of each student and embrace the challenge of modeling learning to them. Don't be afraid to be wrong. Finally, know when enough is enough. Tweaking that lesson one more time before that observation tomorrow is just unnecessary."

Brazle acknowledges that teaching can be challenging. But she said helping students achieve goals and understand concepts makes it one of the most rewarding careers a person could choose. "We need more teachers — not just people who can deliver a lesson — but people who can demonstrate to the children in our communities that they have value and can contribute to our society," she added. "The profession needs people who really believe that."

To read more Dean's Spotlight stories and other COEHP community news, visit the College's online magazine, the Colleague. The College of Education and Health Professions offers advanced academic degrees as well as professional development opportunities and learning communities in service to the education and health systems of Arkansas and beyond. The U of A Master of Arts in Teaching program has been recognized as one of the leading U.S. teacher preparation programs by the American Association of Teacher Educators.