World Language-Cherie Garrett

“My responsibilities are to transfer information from administration to the teachers, make sure that the teachers in the department are completing their weekly targets and teaching the curriculum,” Reported Cherie Garrett, the head of the World Language Department.

While her basic job involves communication between administration and the department, like all Department Heads, Garrett has many more responsibilities.

Garrett explained that she also brings new ideas to her fellow department members from outside sources: “I attend a lot of conferences, so I bring that information back, share with them the latest trends [and] methodology.”

Garrett is also required to keep the department organized and ensure that it is running smoothly.

“We have a set curriculum and everyone needs to be more or less on the same page, which is just making sure that everyone is offering the same level of education. . . the students in Spanish I, doesn’t matter which teacher they have, they should have the same experience,” she elaborated.

Along with keeping curriculum organized, Garrett helps to organize the many events that the Language Department coordinates.

Garrett explained, “We have Linguapalooza coming up at the end of February and the National Spanish Exam so [organizing] all those events, sharing the information, make sure everyone gets all the information to share with the students, and then collect any money.”

While Garrett provides help with every event, she does not control the entire department, specifically when setting up some of the trips.

“I only work with my own Spanish trip, however, we all collaborate as far as talking about logistics and sharing transportation to get to and from the airport, things we’re going to prepare for parent and student meetings, so we do collaborate but I have nothing to do with the planing of the other language trips,” Garrett said.

Garrett has been the department head “For at least eight years? Maybe 10?” and even though she is unsure of the date, she is happy in the position.

“It’s something that I enjoy doing. . . Sharing with the other teachers, setting goals, and working together to achieve those goals.”