By HEIDI KNAKE
UNK Online
KEARNEY – Chris Jacobs believes in the power of language learning, which can open doors to connection, opportunity and deeper understanding.
“There is no one who cannot benefit from learning another language,” he said. “It will help you connect with people, excel in your career and travel more meaningfully.”
An associate professor of modern languages at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Jacobs has studied French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Catalan and Mandarin Chinese.
The Pennsylvania native’s career has allowed him to live in Spain, Italy and France – connecting him with a wide range of people. So, even he was surprised to find himself teaching in rural Nebraska, where nearly 90% of the population speaks only English.
But at UNK, Jacobs found a position that fits his style and expertise. He teaches Italian, French, Spanish and linguistics – more variety than he’d have elsewhere.
As the university’s only Italian and French professor, he’s built a vibrant language community well beyond the classroom. Jacobs organizes weekly World Language Conversation Tables, where students practice new languages and explore different cultures. He has led multiple study abroad programs to France and Italy, and he presents on innovative language teaching strategies at conferences around the country and within his Spanish education M.A.Ed. online classes.
This year, Jacobs was named president of the Nebraska International Languages Association, a professional organization that supports world language educators at all levels through conferences, workshops and networking opportunities.
Like Jacobs, many Nebraska educators work as their school’s only specific language instructor – or the sole world language teacher – which can limit access to peer support and development.
“NILA fills this void,” Jacobs said. “It has helped me find a community of practice and friends.”
In October, UNK hosted the organization’s annual conference, welcoming language teachers from across the state. Jacobs presented a session titled “Slay All Day,” which explored strategies for teaching and learning slang in the language classroom.
To further their impact, Jacobs and the NILA Board are working to become a nonprofit, which would qualify the group for grants to enhance current initiatives and provide travel support for teachers.
His involvement in the organization directly supports his work in the classroom, too.
“NILA has enabled me to stay abreast of developments in language teaching, helping me provide my undergraduate students with a language learning experience founded in best practices and my graduate students with the latest language teaching methods,” Jacobs said.
