Students currently taking Spanish One and Four should get excited for the future Spanish teacher, Michelle Phillips.

As WS welcomes Phillips, the majority of her students can’t stop gushing over how great the new addition is to the WS’s Spanish department.

“There’s never a dull moment in class as she tries so hard to help each and every one of us in such energetic way,” said senior Patrick Morin.

Even though Phillips has only five years of teaching experience, she managed to win over the students at WS with her outgoing personality and her various teaching experiences. She has taught Spanish in Madison, Wisconsin, public high school and at the University of Illinois, but also taught English in Spain.

“She’s really interactive with the students. It’s obvious that she really wants all of us to be better speakers,” said senior Caroline Fountain. “It’s really nice to know that she cares.”

Philips teaches both Spanish Two and Five, and while her Spanish Five students say the class is very hard, they don’t mind the hard work because they are improving each day.

“Her class is very challenging but I can tell I’m really improving and getting better at speaking and writing Spanish along with everything else,” said Fountain.

Not only has Phillips gained popularity among her students, but the WS community seems to have stolen her heart with kindness and warmth.

“I like it a lot here [at WS. One of the] first things that struck me was how friendly everyone was and upbeat all the students, colleagues and parents were,” said Phillips. “I think something I feel at WS is really special compared to all the places I’ve been, [is that] I can really feel the sense of community as everyone supports each other.”

With a strong passion for traveling, Phillips has been to 25 countries and the Primary Equator. Students find this very fascinating, considering she’s only in her mid-20’s. They also worry, however, that she won’t be here to stay. Fortunately for all the future Spartans Spanish students, it is safe to say that Phillips is here to stay for a while.

“Spain and Wisconsin will always hold a special place in my heart, but I love it here,” said Phillips. “As I’m taking day trips [around West Springfield and D.C], there are so many great things here nearby I don’t plan leaving anytime soon.”