History of Establishment of Foreign Language Teacher Education in Karelia

On February 14 2019 the 2nd year students of the Institute of Foreign Language (programs “Teacher Education”, specializations “English and German Languages” and “English and French Languages”) took part in a meeting with the eldest teacher and keeper of the traditions of the Institute of Foreign Languages of PetrSU, the Associate Professor of the Department of the German and French Languages Ernest Tsypkin. The meeting concerned the history of foreign language teaching in Karelia.

The topic “History of foreign language teaching in Karelia” was chosen with consideration for the future profession of the students. Ernest Tsypkin told about the establishment of the Departments of the English and German Languages of the Faculty of Philology of the Karelian State Pedagogical Institute that become the base for the Faculty of Foreign Languages of KSPI in 1965.

The students learned that a feature of the Department of the English Language is its role in the establishment and development of a group of teachers, speakers of the English language, who came to the USSR in the 30-s with families of Canadian and American Finns and have worked up until the middle of the 80-s. The lecture focused on the history of the Korgan-Sevander family. Meimi Sevander has been the torch-bearer of the establishment of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and for 20 years has been acting as the Dean of the Faculty, which due to the high level of specialist training has become widely known outside the Republic of Karelia. She has also initiated sister relations with American Duluth and Swedish Umeo. Pavel Korgan, brother of Meime, is the first principal of the Gymnasium No. 17 that now bears his name. The Gymnasium No.17 is the first school with enhanced education in the English and Finnish languages in the Republic of Karelia.

Ernest Tsypkin said kind words about different generations of colleagues with whom he has worked for many years.

The meeting was informal and the students showed earnest interest. Everyone present could feel the foreign language vibes and get involved in the history of the Institute and Department, of which they have been fortunate to be students.

The 2nd year student of the Institute of Foreign Languages Lala Grigoryan shared her impressions:

“The lecture of Ernest Tsypkin was particularly engaging, and most importantly we have learned when and how our favourite institute had been established. Sometimes it is worth to immerse into history and remember the long and hard way to success. It was interesting to hear about the history of professional early days of teachers and this motivates us, the future teachers, to study diligently and become just like them!  I would like to thank Ernest Tsypkin once again.”

The 2nd year student of the Institute of Foreign Languages Elizaveta Shaltaeva notes:

“The lecture opened our eyes to the fact that even seemingly familiar institute has its own history and there are people who say its name with awe, respect, and gratitude. And of course for me, as a student of the Department of the English Language, it was a pleasure to attend a lecture of Ernest Tsypkin for the first time, as he is talked about a lot at our institute!”

The 2nd year student of the Institute of Foreign Languages Diana Krylova:

“I was a pleasure to meet such an amazing teacher and hear what he has to say. The time flew by. I learned a lot. I liked the lecture and I will certainly attend again.”