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English Learners

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Caitlin Wittig

EL Lead Teacher

caitlin.wittig@apsva.us

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!

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Marlene Cordero

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

EL Teachers

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Laura Cofsky

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.

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Devon King

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!

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Kevin Parks

Started at Gunston in 2016

Gretchen Schule

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Lina Tenjo Tipton

Hello There! 🇨🇴 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.

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Kevin Togashi

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.

Stephen Ross

Ofelia McKenzie