We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Smali to her new role as a French teacher for the 2024-25 school year. Although she has previously taught at Apex High School, this will be her first time teaching French. I had the opportunity to sit down with her and ask a few questions.

Q: Where are you from?

A: Originally, I’m from Algeria, specifically from a city called Béjaïa near the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. I’ve been in the United States for eight years now.

Q: What did you do before this position?

A: I was hired as an ESL teacher here at Apex High in 2021 and I’ve been teaching it for three years.

Q: Why did you choose to teach French?

A: Being multilingual, with proficiency in four languages, including French, I wanted to challenge myself by teaching a language other than English. When I learned about the open position for a French teacher, I decided to give it a try.

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

A: I enjoy being in a teaching and learning environment and interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Q: Do you have any pets?

A: Yes, I have a small cat and a dog. They actually belong to my kids.

Q: What’s your favorite movie and TV show?

A: For movies, I’d say ‘Prison Break,’ and for TV shows, I enjoy watching Jimmy Kimmel.

Q: What is your pet peeve as a teacher?

A: Sleeping in class, being lazy, and not completing work, even if it’s easy.

Q: If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think you’d be doing?

A: If I weren’t teaching, I’d probably be in architecture.

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your students?

A: Always be kind to yourselves and others, and most importantly, take care of yourselves.

We are excited for Mrs. Smali to continue at Apex High School and take on this position as our new French teacher! If you see her in the halls, make sure you wave and say ‘bonjour’!