Die Beste Deutschlehrerin: Frau Strassburg’s Journey to Teaching

Most language students could probably agree that learning a language can definitely be difficult. But for German teacher Michele Strassburg, connecting with the German language (and culture) has never been hard work for her. 

Despite growing up in a family with a fluent German speaker, Mrs. Strassburg had only begun her linguistic studies when she entered high school. 

“It was something that came very easily to me,” Strassburg commented. “And I would always dream about going and studying in Germany.” 

However, even though she knew she wanted a career related to German culture, Mrs. Strassburg didn’t necessarily start out wanting to be a teacher. When she had first enrolled at St. Cloud State, a university she had particularly appreciated because of their international program, she had originally planned on going into German business. But after a pivotal experience in studying abroad, Strassburg’s perspective shifted.

“When I was [in Germany], I kind of realized, I don’t want to give up the actual German part,” Strassburg said. “I was afraid I was just going to end up in international business and being an accountant or something. And so then, I switched.”

Alongside this, Strassburg had also been inspired by some of her past language teachers and professors, which further inspired her to go into education.  

Over her years at BHS, many students have found that Strassburg is a teacher that genuinely cares; not only about the subject, but also about her students. 

“She always jokes around with us and lets us be ourselves around her– without judgement,” Meghan Reeves ’28 said. “I really appreciate that about her.”

 Over all, though many may look at German and say that it’s just a language, Mrs. Strassburg aims to make it something more. 

“The thing with learning a language is that it’s a long term process– you can’t do it for two months and be fluent,” Strassburg said. “You have to have years of practice and be motivated to take it outside of the classroom. It takes a lot, but it’s super rewarding. And we’re at least teaching them some other skills [beyond language], like being willing to talk to people, try new things, and possibly look foolish.”