Leslie Bradshaw

Years of Experience: 5 

Subject/Area of Expertise: French and Advanced French 2 

Why did you become a teacher?: “After I graduated from Mizzou, I went to Paris for the first time. It was my lightbulb moment, and I knew I wanted to do something with French. Around the same time back home, I was actually a long-term substitute teacher for a French teacher on maternity leave. I continue to be a teacher because I love working with people and the language. I hope to show how French (and learning languages in general) can be a huge advantage for students.”

What do you like to do in your free time?: “I’m a big gamer. World of Warcraft is my go-to game!”

What were your favorite subjects in high school and why?: “Choir, French (of course!), journalism… Those three teachers changed my life. They were passionate about their subjects, were kind and humorous, and made me feel valued… the kind of teacher I aspire to be.”

How do you feel teaching nowadays is different from when you were in school?: “How is it not different? The most I could do on my candy bar Nokia was play snake. Today students can do their homework and check assignments on Canvas from an app. The technology aspect is the biggest change.”