Mr. Dan Fitzgerald has taught here for 23 years as a French teacher. He had an extensive college education where he went to Franklin College in Indiana. He started his college career as a double major in philosophy and English but then decided to switch majors to French and English. He earned three masters degrees in French, English and education. 

Through the highs and lows of the school day, he enjoys being in a full class the most.

“My favorite part of the day is when I’m with students,” Mr Fitzgerald said. “[My] least favorite part of the day is when I’m in meetings.” 

Mr. Fitzgerald is a very supportive person and it shows in the way he teaches. His teaching motto is, “Let’s have some fun in French and let’s not take it too seriously.” 

As much as he loves being in a full classroom with his students, Mr. Fitzgerald finds it irritating when his students don’t push themselves to learn the language and speak to their fullest capabilities.

“[I don’t like when they] don’t speak French when they know how to say something in French like when they say thank you instead of merci,” Mr. Fitzgerald said. 

Mr. Fitzgerald has only ever taught French on the high school level at West Po. Yet he’s taught English at a previous high school. He taught French at two major universities, American University and University of Kentucky, before he began to teach at West Po.

Some advice he’d give students taking one of his classes is, “Come in [to class] ready to speak some French and don’t get too worried about getting it wrong.”