Meet Estelle Materne

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Estelle Materne. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Estelle below.

Estelle, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I’ve been teaching French as a foreign language for several years, and my work ethic is deeply rooted in my training with the French National Education system. This experience shaped my approach, emphasizing dedication, adaptability, and student-centered teaching.

Early on, I realized that every learner is unique, requiring personalized content and methods. Teaching large classes taught me the importance of observation and flexibility—rigid formulas simply don’t work. I’ve carried this mindset into my current work, always starting from the learner’s reality: their goals, motivations, and preferred methods.

Beyond lesson content, I focus on creating a trusting environment where students feel comfortable expressing doubts and fragilities. For me, teaching is not just about transmitting knowledge but co-constructing it with the learner. Adaptability, listening, and passion are at the heart of my approach—because every lesson should be a tailored experience.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’ve been running Parlons French since March 2024, specializing in teaching French to American students. Based in Birmingham, Michigan, I also offer online lessons, making French accessible to learners nationwide. With 15+ years of experience, I love crafting personalized lessons that match each student’s goals and interests.

One of the things I love most about my job is the incredible diversity of my students. My youngest student is just four and a half years old, while my oldest turned 80 this year. It’s amazing to work with people from such different backgrounds, each with their own reasons for learning French. Some want to travel, others need it for work, and some simply love the language and culture. Every lesson is an opportunity to get to know my students better, and I deeply value the connections I build with them. The one-on-one format allows me to truly focus on each individual’s learning style, interests, and challenges, ensuring they acquire not only proper grammar and vocabulary but also the confidence to speak French as it is actually spoken today in France.

In addition to my private lessons, I develop resources, create engaging learning materials, and work on projects that help connect French learners with one another. One of my latest initiatives is an interactive map designed to bring together French speakers and learners worldwide. By signing up, users can locate other French speakers near them—whether they are native speakers or fellow learners—and connect for real-life conversations. The idea is simple: if someone nearby speaks French and is open to meeting, why not grab a coffee together and practice the language in a natural and relaxed setting?
It’s completely free—because language learning is best when shared!

At the heart of it all, what I love most is the human connection. Learning a language isn’t just about grammar—it’s about communication, culture, and meaningful exchanges.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three key qualities have been essential to my career: my ability to connect with people, my perseverance, and my expertise in language teaching.

1. The Power of Human Connection
Teaching a language goes beyond grammar and vocabulary—it’s about understanding each student’s motivations and learning style. Whether I’m working with a child discovering French or an adult perfecting their skills, I strive to create a trusting and encouraging environment. This ability to connect on a personal level has been at the heart of my success.

2. Perseverance: Building a Business from Scratch
Launching Parlons French in a new country was both exciting and challenging. At first, I had no local reputation, but I leaned on my network and sought support from resources like the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. Progress was slow, but through word of mouth and consistent effort, I built a solid client base—filling 80% of my schedule in just six months. This experience reinforced a key lesson: success takes time, persistence, and a proactive approach to networking.

3. Expertise in Language Teaching
With two master’s degrees in language education, I combine academic knowledge with hands-on experience to create effective lessons tailored to each student. Understanding how languages are acquired allows me to design structured, engaging courses that build both confidence and fluency.

These three qualities—human connection, perseverance, and expertise—continue to shape my journey as a language teacher and entrepreneur.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Any other French teachers here ?
I’d love to connect and get to know you. We could work together to connect our students so they can practice their French together. I believe in peer guidance and help and would love to hear how you work with your students to better help mine. I’d also love to share my experience and help you thrive in your teaching.

If you are not a teacher but speaks (even a little) French and would like to join the ‘Je Parle Français” interactive map to get in touch with other French speakers please reach out !

details can be found there : https://www.parlonsfrench.com/je-parle-francais-interactive-map

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