Tres bien! East Ridge High teacher Gerline Smith named Fla. French teacher of the year

CLERMONT — Félicitations is French for "congratulations," a suitable word to bestow on Madame Gerline Smith of East Ridge High School.

Smith has been named the Florida French Teacher of the Year by the American Association of Teachers of French .

The Florida Foreign Language Association Conference chose Smith because of her dedication to her students, "evident through her tireless efforts to provide opportunities for them to use the French language beyond the classroom," wrote Deanna Scheffer, FL AATF Grand Concours Director, Executive Board, in a letter to East Ridge High School Principal Julie Robinson-Lueallen, copied to the Daily Commercial in a Lake County Schools press release.

"Her students have participated in various competitions, including song, video and poster contests, and have had the chance to explore global environmental issues in Francophone countries."

Smith's recent presentation at the FFLA Conference received high praise, leading to her superlative award.

Not only has Smith prepared her students for success in the National French Competition, but she also has shown commitment to professional growth, frequently attending AATF professional development opportunities.

Last year, she received a master's degree in foreign language education from the University of Southern Mississippi.

"Madame Smith's unwavering commitment to providing the best possible language-learning experience for her students makes her a valued member of the AATF community," Scheffer added, "and we are incredibly proud to have her as a colleague and friend and to give her this award."

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Tres bien! East Ridge High teacher Gerline Smith named Fla. French teacher of the year