English Learners

Hi, I'm Caitlin Wittig. I've been a teacher since 1997 and a member of the Gunston community since 2003! I have a masters in theater education and am in the middle of my second masters in ESL from the University of Virginia. I teach English Learners social studies and serve as the EL Lead teacher. I love to create spaces where students can find their voice, feel happy, safe and ready to learn. I love the diversity and global perspectives we have at Gunston and try every day to make everyone feel welcome and special. When I am not teaching I love to spend time with my family, teach yoga and do creative projects with my husband!

Hello, my name is Marlene Cordero, I am a school counselor for the English Learners at Gunston Middle School. I am originally from Bolivia; I completed my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Mayor de San Simon University. I received my master’s degree in School Counseling from George Washington University. As a school counselor I am encouraged to support students to strive for their personal best, supporting them in their academic, personal, and socioemotional needs, career exploration and more. When I am not at Gunston, I like to spend time with my family, and friends, travel and listen to music. “No matter where you are from your dreams are valid.” Lupita Nyong’o

Laura Cofsky is an English learner teacher at Gunston. Born and raised in New York City, she initially came to Arlington to pursue a career in nonprofit marketing. However, she fell in love with teaching instead. Ms. Cofsky has a bachelors from the University of Pennsylvania in English. In her free time, Ms. Cofsky enjoys reading, traveling, dancing, and enjoying the amazing local restaurants.

Bon dia! My name is Ms. King and I teach 6th grade English Language Learners here at Gunston! I'm a life long Bostonian, a proud graduate of Boston University, and spent my time teaching high school in New York and Boston before spending the last four years here at Gunston. I love teaching ESL and have worked with students from 63 different countries who have spoken just as many languages. I look forward to welcoming different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences into my classroom!

Started at Gunston in 2016

Hello There! I’m “Ms. Lina”. Strong. Driven. Creative. Caring. Wholehearted. Thoughtful. Passionate. 🎯 My #1 mission is to spark curiosity, foster a love for learning, and build a community where every student feels inspired, and valued. 🇨🇴 I'm originally from Sogamoso, Colombia. 🏫 I started teaching in 2008. This is my fourth year at Gunston Middle School. 🍎 EL Teacher 🎓Bachelor's degree in Foreign Language Spanish/English Education 🎓 MEd in Applied Digital Learning and Curriculum Design. 🫶 Dancing, doing crafts, visiting new towns and attending concerts with my hubby, Scott.

Hi, my name is Kevin Togashi. I'm an English Learner teacher here at Gunston. I have a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA, and I completed the CELTA certification from Oxford University for teaching English around the world. I taught career-oriented ESL for adults with NVCC for a few years, then switched careers to full-time teaching following ten years in administration and procurement for a manufacturer with the military supply chain. I love creating safe and warm class environments for all students to be engaged and challenged. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy reading manga, watching anime, working out, and playing Dungeons and Dragons.