Dartmouth professor who created language-teaching method adopted by Peace Corps dies at 90

Published May 03, 2016

A Dartmouth College professor who created a unique language-teaching method that was adopted by the Peace Corps in the 1960s has died. John Rassias (RAH'-see-iss) was 90.

The college says Rassias died Wednesday at his home in Norwich, Vermont.

Rassias was a consultant and developer with the Peace Corps in 1966 when he began a program to teach languages in Africa. The Rassias Method features rapid-fire drills, cultural immersion and a touch of theater.

He joined Dartmouth in 1965, founded its Language Study Abroad programs and directed the foreign study programs for several years.

Rassias grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, and served in the U.S. Marines, piloting an amphibious tank during the Battle of Okinawa.

His wife, Mary Evanstock Rassias, died in 2012. He is survived by three children.

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