Isabella Runge brings a lifelong love of language, culture, and learning to her role as middle school French teacher at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. With 33 years of teaching experience, she inspires students through immersive language exploration, cultural connections, and even French cooking classes that make learning come alive. Known for her curiosity, creativity, and sense of adventure, Madame Runge encourages students to embrace mistakes, ask questions, and confidently engage with the world beyond the classroom.
What was your favorite subject growing up? Foreign Languages (Dutch, Italian, Latin, English, and German) and Math, especially trigonometry. Teachers were a great part of my liking for those classes.
What clubs and extracurriculars did you take part of as a student? Karate in elementary, swim team in middle school, and chess club in high school.
Who influenced you to go into teaching? My English and Dutch teacher—Monsieur Guilmin—in high school. The way he vividly shared stories from his many travels and how cool it was for me back then to work, share your knowledge, and at the same time, explore the world and meet new people.
What is your favorite part of your daily teaching life? I love our French cooking classes in The Quest Kitchen Center here at Episcopal. This is an amazing place to learn! In general, being with students, because no two days are ever the same and neither are the questions. Together, we explore language and culture, occasionally getting tangled in grammar, laughing at strange expressions, and discovering new words.
How many years have you been teaching? 33 years
In what ways are you active in your school’s community? I taught some French cooking classes to the Episcopal community where parents came and baked French desserts. I intend to offer Italian cooking classes as well next year. “J’adore la cuisine.”
I also volunteer my time to the Baton Rouge Chess Community when I can. I organized two Scholastic chess tournaments here in Baton Rouge. My son, Matteo, and I are trying to organize friendly tournaments with other high schools in the area and spread the love of chess.
I recently also reestablished the French Trip to Quebec for the French students here at Episcopal. We are leaving this Mardi Gras break and “nous sommes excités”!
What is something interesting about you that your students would be surprised to learn? I actually wanted to be a pilot for the Belgian Air Force and work in the NATO Military Base, called “SHAPE” of my Town of Mons in Belgium. I also wanted to be a tour guide in Italy and live in Rome, my favorite city! And I can drive a stick shift and control skidding on snow!
If you could pass along one piece of advice to your students, what would it be? My advice as a foreign language teacher and foreigner is to not be afraid to sound imperfect. Mistakes mean you are trying, and every error is a step closer to confidence. Be curious, be brave, and connect with the world around you. And I think that is valid for every subject.
