Monday, May 7, 2007; Posted: 10:41 a.m. (CDT)
Most know French as the language of love and it's a language Linda Bahan loves teaching.
Bahan says, "I grew up in south Louisiana, so I had great exposure to French."
She's a teacher at Del City High School. She's been teacher at that same school her entire career which includes 27 years.
"We just have the best students. I love working with our students and knowing there's a quest for knowledge. They want to broaden their horizons and move on beyond just our own small little world," says Bahan.
Her students seem to enjoy her teaching style. She has an energetic and vibrant personality.
Ashley Rhone, a student at Del City High School, says, "She is just the most fun person and teacher at this school She's the class I love the most to come to. She's always in a good mood."
Another student, Tyler Diedrick, says, "Mrs. Bahan is probably the most charismatic, most knowledgeable teacher I've ever had. She makes everything fun. She makes it like it's on our level and very, very informative to us and it doesn't get boring ever."
Along with being the French teacher, she's also the tennis coach.
Bahan says, "I just started playing when I was in junior high school and just loved it."
"She's a monster in the tennis courts. She's been playing tennis all of her life and she's so talented. She's always so willing to share everything she knows with everyone," says Diedrick.
Bahan has been noticed for her hard work. She was named "Teacher of the Year" for the Mid Del School District. She was also given the Oklahoma Multi-Cultural Teacher of the Year Award.
"I just think oh my goodness, there are so many people out there especially in our district that do such a wonderful job. I'm truly honored to have received these awards this year," says Bahan.
But more importantly, she says it's an honor just to teach.
Bahan says, "What I hope they'll learn from my class is how to tolerate different cultures, learn to get along with other people and just to broaden their horizons and enjoy the world."
Bahan says what's most rewarding is when students come back to visit and share their successful stories.
