Yvonne McFadden, teacher of French at Downingtown East High School, has been named the school's Teacher of the Year (2008-2009), a "first" for a World Language teacher in the Downingtown Area School District.

Madame McFadden has excelled in promoting French language and culture in multiple ways, including participation in the Grand Concours, escorting students to France and sponsoring an active French Club. This year she established a high school exchange program: students from France and their English teacher came to the Downingtown area for 2 weeks in the fall, and 12 Downingtown students went to France in the spring, to reside in the French homes and attend school.