In 1994, an ambitious young man moved to the United States, from the beautiful country of Senegal, in hopes of following his dreams. His name was Jean Paul Dieme. Dieme was born in Senegal, a country located in the western most part of Africa, where he lived in the tropical southern region of Casamance. He took a chance on America, moving to the complete opposite climate of Senegal; Chilly Wisconsin.

      Dieme went to a school in Senegal called Dakai University with a major in Victorian Literature before he moved to Wisconsin for a teaching internship in 1994.

      “I knew I wanted to be a teacher since middle school… I just knew,” said Dieme.

      French isn’t Dieme’s only language; he speaks seven languages including Creole and Spanish. While Dieme may have a passion to teach French, he also has a strong affinity for English literature and classics. His love for reading extends to a love for writing as well, including French literature, hence the Victorian literature major. But ultimately it was his love for languages that brought him to the classroom. 

      “I like learning languages. It opens new doors to communicate with all kinds of people,” said Dieme.  

      While staying in Wisconsin he attended his second university in Minnesota, where he majored in education with a focus in Special education, furthering his knowledge on what he aspired to make a career of.

      Following his graduation he taught in Milwaukee Wisconsin for 15 years. 

      Wisconsin, unlike Senegal, has a very cold winter, something Dieme was not used to or fond of, so when he received a phone call from a hiring agency regarding a job opening at Tampa Preparatory, the idea of a tropical home struck true.

      When Dieme began teaching here on January 3rd as our new French teacher, he was met with the warm feeling of belonging and purpose. Excited about Tampa Prep’s curriculum, Dieme looks forward to his new-found room for creativity and ability to instill things in students that gave him this feeling of gratitude and appreciation.

      Dieme says he feels “really fortunate to be here,” and the only way he can give back is “to do my best,”.

      With this new freedom of teaching, he is very pleased with the results he sees with his students. 

      “I have never worked with such humble and eager to learn students. I can look at their daily writings and see the improvements!” said Dieme. 

      Even though he is far from his homes, both Wisconsin and Senegal, he is a wonderful addition to our family and a member of our Prep community!