"We love our Spanish playtime! It's a wonderful way to introduce language in a fun and functional way."
Curriculum Team
Language programs without a well thought out curriculum are like playgrounds without slides and swings; they are somewhat incomplete, not nearly as fun, and missing a very important part of what makes them special.
At Yak Academy, believe our curriculum is both engaging and educational. Our practical lessons actively encourage the continuation of learning outside of the classroom, with easy-to-use materials available for parents wanting to reinforce learning at home. In addition, our curriculum shares cultural traditions with the children, opening their eyes to new worlds.
Our curriculum development is led by:
Stephanie Surowiec
Since joining Yak Academy, I have filled various roles for the company. I began in January 2005 as a French instructor, after having taught International Baccalaureate French at the prestigious International Academy High School in Bloomfield Hills, MI for almost 10 years. I quickly transitioned into developing curriculum, and served as Director of Curriculum for 3 years. I have also enjoyed some time being Director of the Birmingham Center, and I now serve as Area Manager of Mobile Programs in Metro Detroit, in addition to still playing an active role on the curriculum team. In addition to my teaching experience, I have studied and traveled extensively throughout France, including a six-month stay as an au pair for three children in Nantes, and a summer program in La Rochelle specifically designed for teachers of French as a Foreign Language. I graduated from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) with a BA in French and Communication in 1995, and received Secondary Teacher Certification in French and Journalism in 2006, as well as a MA in French from Wayne State University in 2002.
Stephanie Watson
I am a Language Acquisition Specialist. I graduated from Muskingum College with a BA in Spanish with teaching credentials in Spanish and Special Education and later earned my MA in Spanish from Middlebury College. I have taught Spanish and ESL (English as a Second Language) in both public and private schools for students pre-school age through adults. I really enjoy sharing my twenty years of expertise in language education with others, so much so that at one point I was an instructor in residence at Muskingum College, a faculty trainer and frequent workshop presenter at foreign language conferences. My favorite aspects of world language instruction are behind the scenes doing curriculum development, creating exciting new lessons and teacher training materials.
To learn more about the rest of the team behind the scenes, click below: