World Languages Department

Hill-Murray offers Spanish, German, and French. In general, students begin language study in ninth grade, but those who meet specific academic criteria may begin languages as early as eighth grade. Students may take up to five years of French, German, or Spanish. The upper level language classes are Honors level, and the target language is spoken almost exclusively. Thematic units, emphasizing authentic materials and literature, form the basic curriculum for most of the Honors level classes. Click here to find out how many years of a world language a student should take at H-M.



Beyond the Classroom

Students can further explore their language through the Hill-Murray French and Spanish Clubs, Concordia Language Village weekend retreats, and student trips abroad.

Opening Doors to a Global Future
Did you know?

• Second language ability enhances employment opportunities.
• Learning another language can promote global awareness, improve communication skills, and facilitate graduate level research.
• Students who study second languages score higher on standardized tests such as the SAT.
• Most people in the world speak at least two different languages.
• Students who study a second language tend to be more creative, be better at solving complex problems, and have a deeper understanding of their own language and culture.
• Language ability makes leisure travel easier and more interesting.

How many years of a language should you take?

Many colleges in Minnesota and other states require a rigorous high school curricular program and recommend 3-4 years of a world language so that students are better prepared to take a placement exam to satisfy the college’s language requirement.

The Hill-Murray World Language Department recommends, therefore, that students take four years of a language at Hill-Murray.

In addition to being better prepared for college, taking four years of a language at Hill-Murray, rather than taking language courses at a college, saves time and money. Finally, graduates with strong backgrounds in another language are more attractive to potential employers.

One final note: Students and parents need to know that no language is more difficult than any other language. Moreover, all language classes function in similar ways. There are regular homework assignments, quizzes, tests, and presentations. Our goal is to have the students succeed!

Parlez-vous français? French is known as the language of love and is often referred to as one of the most beautiful languages in the world. The French language provides a global connection among the millions of French-speaking people in diverse places such as Canada, Haiti, Africa, the United States, Asia and, of course, France. France is a highly popular tourist area, with Paris topping the list of global vacation destinations.

Considered the language of diplomacy, French is one of the official languages of the United Nations and the official language of the Olympic Games. Knowledge of French will help in careers such as law, international relations, business, education, and the travel industry. Many Minnesota-based companies, such as 3M, Honeywell and Cargill, have subsidiaries in France and other French speaking countries.
Bienvenue à votre avenir global!

¡Olé! Spanish is currently the second most spoken language in the United States. As of the year 2000, at least one out of every ten people spoke spanish. Globally, twenty-one different countries in the world use Spanish as their official language.  Spanish fluency is helpful in careers in medicine, social services, business, travel, education, journalism, politics and church ministries. It can add enjoyment to leisure travel and help those who are interested in service activities, such as the Peace Corps.

Sprichst du Deutsch?

Go global! Learn German. German is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe and is considered to be the business language of the world. Many academic fields such as engineering, philosophy, music and biology either require or recommend a background in the German language.

German is a key language in the European Union and rapidly growing markets in central and eastern Europe. Germany is one of the United States' largest European trading partners, with more than 750 American companies doing business in and with Germany. German-speaking countries are among the most popular destinations for American tourists and students studying abroad. 
Willkommen! Deutsch ist eine Weltsprache!

Jean Busch is the department head for the World Language Department and began teaching at Hill-Murray in 1978. Jean earned her BS from Saint Cloud State University and her Master's in Education from Hamline University.  She has also studied in Mexico. Jean has led numerous student trips to Mexico and most recently to Costa Rica and Guatemala. She is also a co-advisor for the Spanish Club. Email Jean Busch at jbusch@hill-murray.org

Michele Corrales began teaching Spanish at Hill-Murray in 2002.  A graduate of Hill-Murray, Michele earned her BA and has earned a M. Ed. from Hamline University.  Michele has studied in Montevideo, Uruguay and Seville, Spain and has led student trips to Mexico, Costa Rica and Guatemala.  She is co-advisor of the Spanish Club.  Email Michele Corrales at mcorrales@hill-murray.org

Louise Head began teaching Spanish at Hill-Murray in 1999.  A 1991 graduate of Hill-Murray, Louise earned her BA in Spanish and English and her MA in Secondary Instruction from St. Mary’s University in Winona.  Louise has lived and studied in Gijón and Granada, Spain.  She is the head coach of the Quiz Bowl team and the moderator of the Pro-Life Club.  Email Louise Head at lhead@hill-murray.org

Elizabeth Marin began teaching French at Hill-Murray in 1994 and also serves as Advisor for the French Club.  She earned her BA from the College of Saint Benedict and her MA from the University of Saint Thomas.  Elizabeth has studied in Cannes, Colmar, and Annecy, France and has led Hill-Murray student trips to France since 1996.  Elizabeth is also the "Link Crew" coordinator.  Email Elizabeth Marin at emarin@hill-murray.org


Mr. Amdahl earned a B.A in French Studies with a History minor from St. John's University and completed his educational license through Hamline University. His two years working and living in France combined with his teaching experience in Mexico should provide some very interesting conversations in his class.







Margaret Landby graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in German and Economics and later obtained licensure with ESL and Social Studies. She has taught German for 12 years at schools including St. Paul Central, Centennial High School and Minneapolis South and looks forward to teaching German at Hill-Murray.