North Hills German teacher being honored by national organization

When it comes to helping kids understand the German language and culture, North Hills High School teacher Joe Deible can now consider himself eine der besten — or one of the best.

Deible is one of 18 people and two German programs in the United States being recognized by the American Association of Teachers of German “for their outstanding contributions to the teaching and learning of German,” according to the national organization.

“Joe’s students truly benefit from his knowledge and take from it a new perspective on the world,” said Missi Marangoni, a world language teacher at North Hills High School. “Current and former students alike name Herr Deible as a mentor, favorite teacher and talented educator.”

Deible will receive the organization’s Checkpoint Charlie Foundation Teacher Award, which recognizes outstanding teachers of German who strengthen intercultural understanding. Also receiving that award is Erika Hille Rinker, an associate professor of German at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“With their dedication to excellence in German language instruction, these award recipients promote the transatlantic friendship between the U.S. and German-speaking countries and foster the much needed intercultural awareness so their students lead successful lives in a globalized world,” said Doug Philipp, president of the American Association of Teachers of German.

Marangoni said Deible has proven himself worthy of the honor.

“Joe has made tremendous contributions to our World Language Department and has led us not only to several years of state recognition, but shows a commitment to helping all of us strengthen our practice by providing us with opportunities to learn from distinguished educators in our profession,” she said.

Deible has been teaching German at North Hills since 2001, where he also handles classes for AP German and University of Pittsburgh College in High School German.

In addition to teaching, Deible sponsors the high school German Club, the German National Honor Society, Future Teachers of America and the AFS International Club.

During his time at North Hills, Deible has taken hundreds of students abroad to help them better understand the culture of other nations.

Deible said the organization that is honoring him is partly responsible for his pursuit of a career teaching German.

“At a young age, I took an AATG German test and did very well,” he said. “Herr Staudenmaier, my teacher and mentor, told me I had talent and could make something of myself in the field.

“All of these years later, the AATG is now honoring me, after indirectly putting me on the path to studying German. It’s really neat how it’s come full circle.”

Deible is a graduate of Lock Haven University, where he had a triple major in German, secondary education and elementary education.

AATG will recognize Deible and the other award recipients during a virtual presentation on Nov. 21.