Alexis Heflin, MAT

Salvete! (Hello!) I am very excited to teach Latin at the Well-Trained Mind Academy! I have been a Latin teacher for over twenty years, and can’t wait to share my love of ancient languages and civilizations with you. I started learning Latin as a seventh grader in Louisiana, and my first teaching job was at my alma mater. I earned a BA in Classics and French from Middlebury College, and then pursued graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I earned a Master of Arts in Teaching Latin and Classical Humanities. I’ve taught all levels of Latin, from elementary school to college, and have experience teaching in private, public, and online schools.

I also have enjoyed participating in many extracurricular activities for Latin students such as Latin Club, Junior Classical League, Certamen (Latin quiz bowl), and contests such as the National Latin Exam and the National Mythology Exam. A highlight of my experience has been traveling with students and their families to Italy, Greece, and Roman Britain. We’ve explored Roman forts, climbed Mount Vesuvius, and have even run a foot race in the original Olympic stadium! It’s been so rewarding to see my students flex their passion for the classics outside of the classroom. When I’m not moderating a Certamen match or writing a geography test for Latin convention, I like to spend my free time exercising, hanging out with my husband and our yellow lab Simone, baking, and watching LSU football and gymnastics. Geaux Tigers!

In our class, we’ll learn grammatical topics through brief lectures, but most of the time will be spent reading, writing, listening to and speaking the Latin language, with the ultimate goal of being able to read and interpret Roman literature. We’ll learn what the Romans themselves tell us about their culture, which has so significantly shaped our own! We’ll also strengthen our English vocabulary through studies of etymology and Latin mottoes, and explore Roman culture and civilization. Finally, students will have the opportunity to delve into cultural topics that are of particular interest to them, such as mythology, art, architecture, or history; students will have a great deal of choice in completing projects in these areas.

Regular vocabulary study, reading practice, and active participation in class will be the keys to success in Latin. I pledge to help my students be successful by giving prompt and constructive feedback, and by making our classroom environment a safe and positive place where it’s okay to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. I’m looking forward to seeing you in class!