Rate My Professor Sandra Trapani

Sandra Trapani, professionally known as Sandy Trapani, is the Teaching Professor in French and Chair of the Department of Language and Cultural Studies within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She joined the department in 1994 and has been a pivotal figure in delivering high-quality instruction in French language, culture, and literature. Trapani's courses emphasize the integration of film and advanced technology to optimize the language acquisition process for students at various levels. Holding a Master of Arts in French Literature from the University of Missouri-Columbia, she further enhanced her expertise through graduate coursework at the Université Catholique de l’Ouest in Angers, France. As department chair, she provides advising for American Sign Language, English for Academic Purposes, and serves as the key contact for inquiries regarding the B.A. in Modern Languages major.

Trapani's research specializations and academic interests lie in language pedagogy, curriculum design, development of language programs, and their articulation across educational levels. She directs the intensive French Summer Language Program in Strasbourg, France, facilitating immersive experiences that deepen students' cultural and linguistic proficiency. In addition, Trapani has innovated by developing service learning courses tailored to language education and organizing immersion weekends that offer practical, real-world application of French skills. She has delivered presentations on curriculum design and language program development and articulation at numerous national and regional conferences, contributing valuable insights to the field. Professionally certified as an OPIc rater by Language Testing International, Trapani upholds rigorous standards in oral proficiency assessments. She collaborates extensively with textbook publishers in roles as reviewer and consultant, holds the position of Subject Matter Expert in French for McGraw Hill, and functions as a World Language Development Partner for Cengage Learning. Through these multifaceted appointments and initiatives, Trapani exerts considerable influence on the evolution of French language teaching practices and resources in higher education.