W&L’s Chuck Rutberg ’26 Selected for Teaching Assistant Program in France Rutberg is looking forward to building on his French language skills before pursuing a career in the federal government.
Washington and Lee University senior Chuck Rutberg ’26 has been selected for the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) to teach English in France. At W&L, Rutberg is a politics and French double major with a minor in philosophy. Rutberg is from Rochester, New York, and graduated from The Harley School.
TAPIF is administered by the French Ministry of Education and its international agency, France Education international, in coordination with the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. Teaching assistants are placed in elementary or secondary schools throughout France, teaching English linguistic and language skills while improving their own French language skills and fully immersing themselves in French culture and society.
It has been a goal of Rutberg’s to live in France after graduation since he spent Spring Term 2024 in Toulouse and Paris with Mohamed Kamara, the H. Laurent Boetsch, Jr. Professor of Romance Languages, and Stephen McCormick, associate professor of French. He is grateful for the opportunity to pursue this dream while advancing his career goals to work in the federal government or politics.
“The opportunity to teach with TAPIF is really the culmination of my time as a French major,” Rutberg said. “I look forward to meeting new people, visiting interesting places and having an adventure in France.”
On campus, Rutberg is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and has been involved with Hillel and the 2024 Mock Convention. He is also involved with the Lexington-Rockbridge Democratic Committee.
Rutberg is grateful for the countless impactful experiences W&L has made possible throughout his four years on campus.
“Whether it was Spring Term Abroad, performing on stage in three different Department of Theater, Dance and Film Studies productions, studying some of the most important texts and ideas ever written, or rolling down Main Street on a [Mock Con] parade float, my time at W&L has been replete with moments and experiences that I hope will shape me for years to come,” Rutberg said.
Rutberg is also grateful for the “honest advice and enthusiastic encouragement” he’s received from Kamara, who helped him see the opportunities studying French can create. “Professor Kamara went above and beyond for me as an adviser and professor in more ways than I can explain, and I am lucky to have met him here at W&L,” Rutberg said.
Stu Gray, associate professor of politics, also provided valuable mentorship to Rutberg and helped set him on a path of lifelong learning. Rutberg notes that two of the best classes in his W&L experience were with Gray, and he credits Gray with his love for philosophy. Rutberg also considers Tammy Futrell, dean of student engagement and leadership, as one of his biggest supporters at W&L and appreciates her continued support and guidance.
“Chuck is an intellectually curious and serious student who displayed an uncommon willingness to engage deeply with the texts and philosophical ideas presented in our classes,” Gray said. “He is the sort of student that will show up at office hours and ask those ‘next level’ sorts of questions, pressing well beyond what is expected or required of him. Not only is he incredibly bright, but he possesses a work ethic and passion for learning that will be contagious for those around him in his future academic roles.”
With TAPIF, Rutberg will depart in September 2026 for his seven-month program. Upon completion of the program, he hopes to begin a career with the U.S. Department of State or pursue opportunities in politics in Washington, D.C. or New York City.
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