Phone: 612-314-5811 (call and text)

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

M.Ed. in Second Language Education - UMN M.A. in French, Francophone Postcolonial Studies and Cinema - UMN B.A. in French, Minor in Asian American Studies - UMN K-12 Teaching Licensure Pronouns: She, Her | Elle | Nws

Mme Payia Yang, Rachel (Rah-Shell)

Bonjour et bienvenue à Hidden River!

I am Madame Payia Yang but students call me Madame Payia. This school year, I will teach French Immersion Minnesota Studies and French Immersion Global Studies.

I taught French at university and at high school levels. Hidden River Middle School is, therefore, another step in my teaching journey. My son was at Hidden River and I am very happy to return as a teacher for the fourth school year, particularly to promote and strengthen the French Immersion program and the French language through Social Studies.

I am from France and I grew up in Normandy where I spent most of my early childhood. My region of heart is the Pays de la Loire where my family and friends are located. I lived in Nantes, Montreuil-Bellay (near Saumur), Angers, and La Roche-sur-Yon. Our little family moved to Minnesota more than a decade ago. My husband and I have two children and four cats!

Outside of Hidden River, I like oil painting, I play the guitar a little, and I enjoy going to the gym with my family. I also have a research interest focusing on Francophone postcolonial studies and Asian exophonic authors of French expression.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Merci !

  • We follow Saint Paul Public Schools' Social Studies curricula, which include state standards, with a focus on students developing their interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in the context of French proficiency-oriented learning.

    23-24 Syllabi:
    Minnesota Studies
    Global Studies

    Understanding the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) for:
    Individuals & Societies

    While I will guide 6th graders with good note-taking habits, I really encourage 7th and 8th graders to take notes in class. Research on note-taking indicates that taking notes in class and reviewing them has a positive impact on student learning.

  • Why French?

    We use ACTFL standards (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages): Proficiency Scale
    What your student can do with French at different levels: Explanations

    French Immersion 8th graders take the proficiency test (reading, listening, speaking, writing) to assess their abilities and progress in French. District staff administers the proficiency test on our premises.

    By the end of middle school, students should be at the intermediate level (low, mid, or high).

    SPPS French Immersion Pathway:
Mme Payia Yang's schedule