Tuesday, March 24, 2009

... and Didier Carribou, Support Teacher in Grades 2-7 next fall


Didier was born in Digne, a lovely little town in the South-West of France in a region where nature is preserved, and located between the Southern Alps and Jean Giono’s Provence.
At an early age, he was passionate about sports and nature (competition downhill skiing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing but also volleyball at a regional level). In 1988, he obtained a science Baccalaureat, then studied sports at the University of Montpellier. His versatility in sports and his science background were very useful at the time. In 1992 he prepared his masters in ‘sports and management’ and finished his State Certification as a ski teacher. He moved back to the mountain and taught ski for several winters in various ski resorts of the Southern Alps.
He particularly enjoyed teaching young children and decided to get his teaching certification. He joined the I.U.F.M. (teaching school) in 1995 and became a certified teacher in the High Alps region. He combined his work in class with his participation in associations through the sports federations of public primary schools (U.S.E.P.), sharing his experience as a ski teacher.
In 2000 Didier was recruited by the USEP of Haute-Provence Alps to become regional representative. His job proved very interesting and demanding and included: staff management, budget management, sports meets organization (all sports) for school students of the department, organizing and teaching during adult and teacher trainings.
He then met Clarisse, and in 2004, decided to go back to elementary school teaching. Since then, he shares his time between his passions: his family, teaching, sports (ski, hiking mountain biking, badminton), reading, music & shows, and cooking.

In 2008, Didier and Clarisse decided to re-ignite their careers and to attempt the experience of teaching abroad. The contacts with L’Ecole Française du Maine interested them immediately thanks to the school’s philosophy as well as its general environment. They are now ready to put their experience, dynamism, and enthusiasm at the disposal of this new organization.