À Bientôt, Monsieur Gallagher

Favorite memory at Masterman?

“Watching President Obama’s inauguration on the TV in Ms. Gray’s room— next to the World Language office— was tremendous, and being in the auditorium to see him speak to our school was even better.”

What will you miss the most about being at Masterman?

“I will miss presenting the "French grading system” —which I did experience personally as a student in France, and whose existence is well-documented in the textbook’s videos— to 8th graders, explaining French body language, food, and culture and how they are different than ours, telling stories about the dangers of jogging in rural Franche-Comté, I could go on and on. Students at Masterman love to listen and learn!”

Mr. Gallagher’s in-laws live in France, and his wife’s father is sick. He had to make a tough decision between family and work, but ultimately chose his family, as many would. Even after 22.5 years of teaching, Mr. Gallagher still brought the same positivity every day. Whether in-person or virtual, he genuinely enjoys teaching French, and his students admire that about him. Having been a student in Mr. Gallagher’s class for two years, I know that I greatly appreciated much about his class, more than just the French grading system (although that was generous of him). In Mr. Gallagher’s class, we had the opportunity to learn about more than just the grammar and vocabulary of the French language. We listened to French music— from the textbook and from French artists— watched a few French movies, and learned about the geography and major landmarks of France as well. He was also an avid artist, drawing everything from the Eiffel Tower to the lives of Dr. and Mrs. Vandertramp, even putting mini drawings of animals on his quizzes. Overall, Mr. Gallagher made learning a new language as fun as possible, and being in his class for two years was a pleasure!

Even though many of us worked with Mr. Gallagher for two years, the current eighth graders only experienced half a year with him. In just those six months, they managed to form a special bond with him, and on his last day at school (January 10th), they flew paper airplanes—with kind words written on them— as a farewell. It was a gesture inspired by the movie “Les Choristes” and many of the 8th graders named that their favorite memory with him.

Other students’ favorite memories with Mr. Gallagher include…

“When he played songs and sang along, like ‘Il Neige’ or ‘Papaoutai’”

“His excellent sketches on the board, his lucky sheep hat, and his proverbs”

“Whenever he roasts Americans as a French person, but then says ‘I'm not really in a place to judge because I’m also American.’”

“The discussions we had about the differences between French and American culture”

“Whenever he would occasionally start singing”

“Any of his stories. One time he told us that a hotdog vendor refused to give him change because change can only come from within”

“Mindful Mondays!”

“The one time he found old cheese and said he was going to eat it… then he wasn't in school the next day”

“Whenever he talks about the French Revolution after hearing a loud noise”

“When Masterman played in the PPL boys soccer championship, I watched the game in the stands at Northeast with Mr. Gallagher. When Max Linneman scored Masterman's first goal of the game, we started screaming, grabbed each other, and were literally hugging in the top of the stands.” (From Mr. Gilken)

“EVERYTHING!!!”

All of these sentiments reflect the joy and positive energy that Mr. Gallagher brought to teaching French every day. Students loved learning in his class and will miss his stories, his drawings, his music and his kind heart.

Farewell messages from students…

“Dear Mr. Gallagher, I wish you the best in France. Thank you so much for the amazing lessons you left us within these past few months. It was truly incredible. We'll miss you! Hope we see you soon! Au revoir!”

“Mr. Gallagher, you were a great first French teacher, and I still use all the tricks you taught us! thank you for everything!”

“I really hope everything goes well and that your family is going to stay healthy. We all appreciate you teaching at Masterman as a French teacher as well as senior classes. Stay well!”

“I really liked your stories about French, they were very entertaining. I hope you enjoy your retirement and spend a lot of time with your wife and your family. (p.s your drawings are actually so good!)

“ I know that we already did the paper airplanes, but I just wanted to thank you again for everything that you have taught us this year. I am so grateful for it, and I am very excited to continue my French journey. Again, thank you!”

“Thank you for making me passionate and motivated to learn French! You taught me so much! We will miss you!”

“I hope your wife’s father gets well soon! Enjoy your time in France!”

“I hope your father-in-law feels better, and I wish you a safe trip. You were a great French teacher, and your classes were very enjoyable. Have a good time in France!”

And from Mr. Gilken:

“You will be sorely missed. It has been a true honor to be your friend and your colleague. In a place where there is so much tension at times, you were like a cool breeze. Your kindness, love of the French language and culture, and love for your students have made each person who has come through your classroom better. There may be a new person teaching French here, but you will never be replaced. I will see you in Montreal, or the French countryside as soon as I can get there.”

We all will severely miss Mr. Gallagher, but we can all understand his decision. It is hard to imagine Masterman without Mr. Gallagher asking “Quelle est la date aujourd'hui?” or singing whichever French song he desires, because he’s done it for the past decade and a half.

As for Mr. Gallagher’s parting message to all of us, he says, “It was very hard for me to say goodbye, but I intend to come to both eighth grade and senior graduation. My message would be for everyone to keep their eyes, ears, and hearts open to all languages and cultures, and memorize your proverbs!”