USC teacher discusses career at Pitt German panel
Kristin Weaver said she originally decided to study German because her dad convinced her the two would be able to make fun of her brother without him knowing.
Weaver’s father served in Germany during his time in the Army, but she soon learned that the only words he knew were things she wasn’t allowed to say. Despite that snag, she fell in love with the language and has been passionate about it ever since.
Weaver, now a German teacher at Fort Couch Middle School, had the chance to talk about her career experience at a panel discussion for prospective German teachers Sept. 26 at the University of Pittsburgh. The panel was sponsored by the Goethe-Institut and the university’s Department of German as part of a Karrieretag, or career day.
A graduate of Upper St. Clair, Weaver joined the district in 2013. She was one of three University of Pittsburgh alumni German teachers on the panel.
Panelists had the chance to present on their experience, then answer questions from interested high school and college students from throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.
“These types of opportunities are extremely important for teachers and students because it provides an opportunity to connect with the surrounding communities,” Weaver said. “In a time that many students aren’t as interested in the teaching profession, this event will help promote a love of world language teaching. This is important as our society becomes increasingly global.”
Weaver was pleased how well-attended the event was, with about 300 students. She shared that one of the surprising things was how easy it was for her to find a job. There are many positions, but not enough people to fill them. That may be surprising to some, as the region is oversaturated with teachers. Where foreign languages are concerned, though, French and Spanish are far more popular.
Weaver encourages anyone who may be interested in teaching a language, specifically German, to chase that passion, but it needs to be authentic.
“You have to be passionate about it. You can’t fake that when it comes to teaching,” she said.
Weaver lives in Upper St. Clair and has a bachelor’s degree in German and master’s degree in teaching.