Alexander Kochan

Salut! I'm Alex, a passionate educator dedicated to opening minds through the beauty of language and the richness of cultural exchange. With certifications in French Language, IB, and ESL, I bring a global perspective to my classroom, fostering an environment where students not only learn languages but also appreciate the interconnectedness of our world.

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But teaching is just one piece of the puzzle. I'm a bit of a Renaissance guy; I have studied - both in and out of the classroom - continental philosophy, exploring the seemingly never ending histoire of human thought and existence. My fascination with language extends into neural networks and artificial intelligence; my current project here is to find ways I can get AI to use NLP more authentically. When I'm not immersed in academia, you'll find me exploring new languages and cultures, traversing the globe in search of inspiration. Whether it's navigating the streets of Quebec or conversing with locals in a café in Shanghai, I believe that language is the key to unlocking the essence of a place. I'm proficient in English, Spanish, and French, but I'm always eager to add new languages to my repertoire. Currently I'm brushing up on my Latin and Greek, as well as working on learning Mandarin, Arabic, Polish and Aramaic.

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Otherwise, not only am I pretty good at losing hockey matches to my friends, but I'm also easily convinced to play a hand of Euchre. Art is my sanctuary, whether I'm creating tangible pieces with my pencils or making digital works in Photoshop. The interplay between virtual and physical design seriously inspires me. In my free time, I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, lending a hand to build homes and hope in my local community. Giving back is not just a duty but a privilege, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.