Lettimore selected as new French teacher

By Kate Robak
Calendar Editor

Every year at Mira Costa, new teachers take positions and fill the campus with their fresh ideas and teaching styles to excite their students. This year, Costa welcomes a new French language teacher on campus, Robert Lettimore.

Before school was in session, a panel including the Foreign Language Department chairs, the vice principals, and Principal Dr. Ben Dale, selected Lettimore as the new French teacher.

“Mr. Lettimore was selected because he impressed us in the interview,” Dale said. “His command of the French language and culture made him stand out.”

This year will be Lettimore’s second year teaching. Prior to teaching at Mira Costa, Lettimore taught in Texas at Moise and Melina High School. Lettimore moved to California from Texas after his wife was relocated. Lettimore received his college degree in French at the University of Northern Texas.

“The school I used to be teaching at was like a jail,” Lettimore said. “There were four walls with a quad. Costa is in a much nicer neighborhood and a socially different experience. At Costa, students are focused on which Ivy League they are going to get into. At my old school they were focused on getting into college.”

Lettimore came to Mira Costa this year to replace Marie-France Sam, who left Costa to teach French at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. Sam had a part-time teaching position at Mira Costa and was offered a full-time job in the growing French program at Peninsula High School.

“My students at Mira Costa were and are still special to me,” Sam said. “They are bright, kind and driven. Over the past four years, I have had a wonderful time in all of my classes. There was not a day when my students and I did not laugh and have fun.”

This year, Lettimore teaches three levels of French language, including AP French, French 5-6, and French 1-2.

“So far I have had a very good experience with my French students and a good start at Costa,” Lettimore said. “My students like to be challenged and want to learn more.”

According to students, Lettimore’s teaching style is engaging an innovative. He utilizes activities including dialogues and various speaking exercises.

“Mr. Lettimore really spices up the daily lessons with interesting dialogues and fun facts,” sophomore Sabrina Callender-Clewett said.