Why Take Latin?

Having taught Latin and ancient Greek for a number of years, I find that there is an increasing demand for these subjects, but little availability at most educational institutions. There are a number of reasons to take Latin. Very simply, it is great for to increase English vocabulary and the structure of English grammar. For students taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test, they score 150 points higher on the verbal. Taking Latin or the Classics also has many other advantages. Schools will find that the overall achievement of Latin students in other areas of academic work is quite high. To name a few people who have studied Latin or the Classics for the college degree are former Governor William Weld of Massachusetts, Governor Jerry Brown of California and former Senator and Secretary of Defense William Cohen.

Of course, a number of school districts want Latin, but can not offer it. Many school districts can not afford to hire a full time Latin teacher. They may want to offer it to their students, but there is a lack of money. This is particularly true in the rural areas. However, there is a way around this. It is called the Internet. I have taught both in the classroom an online. Teaching Latin on the Internet works. Long distance learning is very effective means of learning. One big reason is that Latin is not a spoken language. You do not have to learn the inflections such as in French that you might have to learn for Latin. One other purpose of taking Latin is to make you think.