Academic Departments

Modern and Classical Languages

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages offers the opportunity for students to learn Latin, French and Spanish while also becoming familiar with the culture of those who communicate in these languages. Such knowledge provides our students with the ability to connect with others from different countries and backgrounds in our multicultural and highly interactive world. 

Course Offerings

  • French 1, 2, 3, Honors 4
  • Spanish 1, 2, 3, Honors 4
  • Benilde Spanish 1, 2
  • Heritage Spanish 1, 2
  • Latin 1, 2, 3
  • AP Latin
  • AP French Language and Culture
  • AP Spanish Language and Culture
  • Honors Readings in Spanish

Course Requirements

Students are encouraged to go beyond the two-year requirement in order to be more fully equipped to take their place in our increasingly global society. In order to advance to the upper levels of our language courses, students must show their proficiency by achieving a B average in the courses from level two forward.

Extracurricular Opportunities

  • National Honor Societies: Outstanding students may be nominated for and inducted into the French, Latin or Spanish honor societies. Many of these students then serve as peer tutors for underclassmen. These honor societies also offer the opportunity to earn college scholarships.
  • Language Clubs: All are welcome to join St. John’s language clubs, where students from every class level gather for service, educational activities, cultural celebrations and the sampling of international foods.
  • Spring Break Trips: The Modern and Classical Languages Department sponsors international spring break trips, designed to allow students to perfect their language skills and experience Spanish, French or Latin culture. All St. John’s students have the opportunity to join these trips.
  • Service Opportunities: Advanced language students have the opportunity to serve others using their second language. Some join the Amigos de las Americas program, volunteering up to eight weeks of their summer break to perform service projects in Spanish-speaking countries. Others use their language skills to volunteer with local parishes and other community centers.
 

Languages Faculty

List of 10 members.

  • Pablo Martinez 

    Department Chair, Modern and Classical Languages; French 1, Honors French 4, Heritage Spanish 2
    202-363-2316 x1961
    University of California, Santa Barbara - B.A.
    Georgetown University - M.S.

  • Randi Butler 

    French 2, 3, AP French Language and Culture
    202-363-2316 x1930
    University of Arkansas - B.S.I.B.
    University of Arkansas - M.A.

  • Amy Kemper-Moore 

    AP Spanish Language and Culture, Benilde Spanish 1, 2
    202-363-2316 x1928
    College of Saint Benedict/St.John’s University - B.A.
    American University - M.A.
    Georgetown University - M.S.

  • Irene Murphy 

    Latin 1, 2, 3, AP Latin
    202-363-2316 x1926
    Loyola University Maryland - B.A.
    Catholic University - M.A.

  • Marlene Nahas 

    Spanish 1, Heritage Spanish 1
    202-363-2316
    José Matías Delgado University - B.A.
    The University of the West Indies - B.A.
    The University of the West Indies - M.Phil.

  • Shannon O'Laughlin 

    Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs; Benilde Spanish 2
    202-363-2316 x1004
    Mount Saint Mary College - B.A.
    University of Maryland - M.A.

  • Dan Pier 

    Spanish 2, 3
    University of Notre Dame - B.A.
    Harvard University - Ed.M.

  • Stephen Salkeld 

    Spanish 3, Honors Readings in Spanish
    202-363-2316 x1976
    Johns Hopkins University - B.A.

  • Taylor Sims 

    Spanish 1, 2
    202-363-2316
    Appalachian State University - B.A.

  • Courtney Zsitek 

    Spanish 1, Honors Spanish 4
    202-363-2316
    University of Delaware - B.A.
    Boston College - M.A.