SPARK for German
SIU Carbondale is offering after-school SPARK German language and culture courses at area high schools. SPARK for German is a joint project of the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) and the Goethe-Institut. The AATG supports the teaching of the German language and German-speaking cultures in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education in the United States. The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s SPARK Lab offers a playful approach to German lessons in after-school programs—providing early access to language instruction and creating opportunities for students to learn German. The trainers are undergraduate students and prospective teachers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Teaching a SPARK for German course allows them to gain first-hand teaching experience in K-12 schools and to develop their curriculum development skills. Our highly motivated trainers from Southern Illinois University Carbondale are currently presenting these afternoon sessions for high school students from Murphysboro High School and Vienna High School on a weekly basis for up to seven weeks in the spring of 2025.
Our trainers are German speakers with a German specialization, including German Teacher Education and German Languages, Cultures and International Studies. Kyle Loring, Maddelena Rauscher, and Deborah Zimmerman are trainers for students from Vienna High School and Murphysboro High School. The SPARK for German Lab will be held at the Sallie Logan Public Library in Murphysboro and at Vienna High School.
We offer after-school programs based on age appropriate, and engaging curricula that allow students to learn some basic German and get to know the cultures of the German-speaking world and delve into topics related to the humanities. We are offering this program free of charge. Enrollment is limited.
Contact: Mary Bricker, Ph. D., SIU German SPARK Lab Director, mbricker@siu.edu
SPARK Program Trainers
Kyle Loring
My name is Kyle Loring and I am currently studying German Education at Southern Illinois University. I was inspired to pursue this degree by my high school German instructor, Peter Bachfischer. Mr. Bachfischer was incredibly passionate about the German language and German culture, and his passion was reflected in his teaching. Over my four years with him in high school, I acquired his passion. During my stay at SIU, I intend to study abroad for a year to increase my proficiency in the German language. As a German teacher, I intend to follow in Mr. Bachfischer's footsteps and spread my passion for German to others.
Deborah Zimmerman
Hello! My name is Deborah Zimmerman and I am currently studying German and History at Southern Illinois University. I started taking German classes in college and found that I loved learning the language and the history associated with Germany! Learning a second language is a valuable skill to have in my prospective career and I am extremely happy to have this opportunity. I would not be able to do this without Dr. Bricker as she has encouraged me to continue learning German and has shown me all the wonderful opportunities that SIU has to offer.
Maryn Ellis
Hi! My name is Maryn Ellis and my passion for German started when I was a freshman in high school. I had the most wonderful experience and a wonderful teacher! I got involved with the German program at my high school because my older brother was also taking classes. I am majoring in Languages, Cultures, and International Studies with a specialization in German! I hope in the future to become a college professor.