By Virginia Hogge, Associate Editor
David Manigart is one of two French teachers here at El Camino; he’s been teaching for 25 years and his impact on students has not gone unnoticed.
Manigart was born and raised in Paris, France. At the age of 10 his parents divorced, and later on Manigart’s mom became handicapped which led him not being able to live with either of his parents. Instead of getting sent to a foster family, he was put in a boarding school. Manigart explains how blessed he feels to be put into a boarding school instead of foster homes.
When Manigart was 19, the students at his high school were offered a scholarship to go to America. To get accepted for the scholarship they had to write an essay in English explaining why they were motivated to go to America. Manigart and two other students were accepted to go to America for three weeks. Manigart mentioned how much this affected his life.
“It changed my life. I changed my major to English because of it. I fell in love with the English language and American culture,” said Manigart.
After his return to France, Manigart went to Sorbonne College, where he got a chance at another scholarship to come to America at 24 years old. The scholarship was only awarded to three people; one of the requirements was that Manigart had to be interviewed in English. They asked him what he wanted to major in and his answer was African-American culture. Manigart feels his surprising response affected him being awarded the scholarship.
Manigart went back to America soon after, attending the University of California, Santa Barbara, and majoring in Black Studies. He started his teaching career subbing at different schools. His first full time teaching job, however, was at EC in 2000. Manigart expressed his love for this school.
“People are interacting. That is special. I feel like people do care about the students here,” explained Manigart.
Manigart has taught all levels of French, but is currently only teaching French 1 and French 2. In the classroom, however, it’s much more than just French. Manigart teaches his French lessons in the beginning of the class, and towards the end he gives a history lesson.
Rain Cummings (‘26) is a senior and the teacher assistant for Manigart’s third period, as well being in his French 2 class.
Cummings talked about how she benefited from his class.
“I was drilled a lot so I was able to memorize more and keep things stuck in my head and his techniques really helped me with that,” explained Cummings.
Manigart’s teaching is different from most teachers. During class Manigart is never at his desk. He’s very passionate about what topic he’s on and keeps students intrigued.
Arianna Lorenzo-Garica (‘29) is in her first year of French. Garcia talked about what her favorite parts of his class are.
“My favorite part of his teaching is that he teaches more than just french which helps me in other classes. He makes the class so interesting and he’s very passionate,” explained Garcia.
Manigart mentioned one of his setbacks throughout his teaching career was the COVID-19 Pandemic, because he wasn’t able to interact with students as much as he would prefer. Aside from that, Manigart expressed his love for teaching.
“My favorite part of teaching is interacting with the students, because honestly I became a better man,” said Manigart.
Manigart wanted to be a teacher because his teachers growing up were there for him. Throughout Manigart’s career he has made an impact on many students and the EC community as a whole.
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