Marie-Claire Ribeill
I was born in France and am an American naturalized citizen. I have a background in education and hold a CAPES and AGREGATION in Foreign Language teaching from the university Paul Valéry in Montpellier France. I founded l’Ecole in my home in 2009. I was the school director until 2012 when L’Ecole became a non-profit, in order to be the recipient of the FLAM (Français Langue Maternelle). This allowed a grant from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dedicated to French schools teaching French to French children around the world.
I have been the president of the board of l’Ecole since 2012. I have been an honorary Consul of France in North Carolina since March 2010. As such, I am dedicated to the promotion of France, friendship and trade between France and North Carolina as well as supporting the French population in the area. I worked for ten years as a teacher in France and England, then as a history teacher at the French School of Raleigh, a French sub at Exploris Middle -School. I have then been a tutor in French and history for French students in Raleigh, followed by a position at SKEMA Business School. I was an English and French teacher first, then the North America Development and External Relations Officer. I have two sons: Guilhem, who works in Boston, and Axel, who works in Greensboro NC.
Milaure Muteba
I am from Democratique Republique of Congo. I am a doctor; I obtained my bachelor degree in 2015 to the Protestant University of Congo. The children are my passion and my greatest dream is to become a pediatrician.
I am married to a wonderful man and we are both parents of an adorable little girl.
My experience as a young mother has allowed me to get all the beneficial knowledge in the education of a child such as ability to listen, communication, anticipation, sense of responsibility, organization and creativity (artistic and musical). I always love to work with children and I give my best to bring attention and security to them.
It has been two years and a half since I joined my husband to the USA.
I spent two years at l’Ecole, as an assistant teacher first, then a teacher, being trained by a very talented teacher from France. I still like to learn from the other French teachers around me that have much experience and are always happy to help. I have a background in pediatric psychology that gives me another advantage to care for the children.
I am young, full of energy and good ideas, naturally a very patient person, nice and especially attentive.
I currently teach French in the 2 years old class at l’Ecole and it is really a pleasure to contribute to the instruction and the education of those children.
Laurence Elia
Bonjour! I immigrated from Northern France after graduating from L’académie des Beaux-arts. I moved to New York in 1992 to pursue my long life desire to live in the United States. I have a daughter, Marine, who I am raising bilingual and passing down my French heritage to.
It’s very important for me to share my culture with my students. I have been a pre-k teacher and a summer camp counselor in an American school for 13 years. I currently teach the 3 year olds as well as beginners preschool, beginners 2 and Kindergarten after school classes.
I would describe myself as a fun, patient, and highly energetic teacher with a genuine love and interest in children’s education and growth.
Anne-Cecile Poignant
Hello! I’m Anne-Cecile. I have been a certified teacher in France since 1999. I graduated with a Master’s degree in chemistry from Paris University. I’ve taught all grades from Preschool to 5th grade. In recent years, I specialized in teaching children on the autistic spectrum, including high functioning, and other special needs such as dyslexia. I believe that every child has his/her unique way of learning and enjoy looking for the most effective way to bring the best out of each child in my care.
Isabelle Sabourin
Born, raised and educated (Sorbonne, Paris) in France. We moved to the US as a family in 1992 and since then we also lived in England, France and China. We have 6 children (4 are married, and our youngest one is a freshman at NCState). We also have 7 grandchildren (and counting). I love to use power tools, hike and exercise. I have been teaching French since 2008 and in 2012 I earned the Alliance Francaise diploma :French Teaching to Foreigners. I currently work at l’Ecole as an Afterschool teacher specialized in FLE (French as a second language).
Rebecca Rumpf
I was born and raised in South Carolina, where I attended and graduated from Clemson University with a BA in French Language. During my university studies, I spent a semester at l’Université de Rennes II, Haute-Bretagne. I taught English at the Lycée Allende, l’École Montmorency and l’École Quesnel, all of which are in Hérouville-St. Clair. After completing this assistantship in Normandy, I earned an MA in French from Middlebury College in Vermont and Paris. In the U.S., I have taught high school and elementary school in Vermont, Massachusetts and North Carolina. My life has been richer thanks to my bilingual education and international experiences. I am grateful for the opportunity to pass this language and culture to my son, who is a student at L’École. Working at l’Ecole I am enjoying speaking, singing and playing in French with the babies and their mum/dad/grandparent in the Baby&Me classes. I enjoy teaching through fun activities from the youngest age, and watching my little students become confident in French throughout their path in l’Ecole.
Ariane Pommereau Tornil