This year, Pine Crest School Upper School welcomed Mrs. Celine Guisset to the World Languages department, where she teaches French and Spanish courses at both the Honors and AP levels. With her background as a trilingual educator and her passion for cultural exchange, she brings a wealth of global perspective to her students.

Mrs. Guisset’s love for languages has shaped her life since childhood. Growing up in France, where students are required to study at least three languages beginning in middle school, she first learned English, then Spanish, and later Italian. Surrounded by multilingual influences–her father was born in Spain, and she was constantly exposed to people switching between languages–she came to view language as more than translation.

“Every language is its own personality and culture,” she explained. “The way you perceive the world depends on the language you grow up with.”

Originally planning to become an English teacher in France, Mrs. Guisset pursued her studies abroad, working as a teaching assistant in the United Kingdom and later completing a year at the University of Washington in Seattle for her Master’s degree. That experience changed the course of her life: she fell in love with the United States and with her husband, a native Spanish speaker. Together, they raise their child in a trilingual home–Mrs. Guisset speaks French, her husband speaks Spanish, and they live in an English-speaking community.

For her, language is not only about communication but also connection. “There is a whole part of someone you don’t know if you don’t share their language,” said Mrs. Guisset.

In the classroom, Mrs. Guisset aims to recreate the experience of traveling abroad. She encourages students to see language learning as an exploration, not just an academic requirement.

“I want students to feed their natural curiosity and see learning a language as a first step toward world peace and respect,” reflected Mrs. Guisset.

She strives to build a safe, engaging space where students can take risks, make mistakes, and enjoy the spontaneity of real conversations.

Beyond teaching, Mrs. Guisset brings another passion to Pine Crest: Zumba. Certified as an instructor, she hopes to find ways to share her love of dance and movement with students outside the classroom.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Guisset is excited to embrace life in South Florida and join the co-ed environment of Pine Crest. After years of teaching in colder climates–including at an all-girls school in Maryland–she is grateful for both the sunshine and the warm welcome she has received from the community.

With her unique background, joyful energy, and deep belief in the power of languages to connect people, Mrs. Guisset is already making a lasting impact on campus.