New German teacher Frau Rowe ready to follow in Herr Dunne’s footsteps

As the 2012-2013 school year begins, Bearden welcomes a new addition to the foreign language department. Mrs. Julie Rowe (or Frau Rowe, to follow the German courtesy titles) joins the Bearden staff, replacing Mr. Tom Dunne as the sole German teacher. Frau Rowe will maintain Herr Dunne’s curriculum, with a similar teaching style, but some modern amenities. “She seems really well-prepared, and modern,” sophomore German II student Lauren Leisenring said. “She’s more familiar with the technology that’s in the classroom.” Although the curriculum remains the same, Frau Rowe plans to maintain a balance in the classroom among visuals, writing, reading, and speaking. “I make all of the students speak at least one sentence in German every day,” Frau Rowe said. Frau Rowe graduated from the University of Tennessee, and is certified to teach German, geography, and economics. In 2001, she completed an internship with Herr Dunne. From her internship she continued on to teach at West for one year, followed by Carter for nine years. For two of those, she spent half of her time at Austin East. Frau Rowe said that students at Bearden seem more genuinely interested in the German language than in any of her previous schools. That’s not the only change she sees. “I was surprised by how clean the bathrooms were when I walked in,” Frau Rowe said. “There were little signs on the walls, and it was almost like being in a bathroom at Barnes and Noble.” Frau Rowe also plans to expand the list of clubs at Bearden. She would like to begin a Model UN club, competitions for which would be held at Maryville College. German club and German Honors Society will also be maintained and run by Frau Rowe. Herr Dunne retired at the end of last year after more than20 years at BHS. “He’s pursuing other activities such as photography, golf,and jogging or running,” Madame Patricia Harris said. Although the Bearden community misses Herr Dunne, students are excited to start the new year with a new teacher. Mackenzie Lee is a staff writer for The Bark. Follow The Bark onTwitter @BeardenBARK and like The Bark (Bearden High School) on Facebook.