World Languages

Welcome to the World Languages Department!

¡Bienvenido al departmento de los idiomas extranjeros!

迎来到世界语言部门

(huān yíng lái dào shì JièYǔ Yán Bù mén)

Bienvenue dans le département des langues du monde

Department Chair: Jessica Olson

Graduation Requirements

  • 2 credits of foreign language requirements
  • After two foreign language credits, we would love to see you progress into furthering your proficiency in a foreign language of your choice

Classes/Languages that we offer

  • Spanish (1 - 5/AP)
  • Chinese (1-2)
Meet our Department Members Below!

 

Olson

Name

Jess Olson

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1

Spanish 2

College(s) Attended

University of Pittsburgh

Millersville University

Hometown

Lititz, PA

Bio: My name is Ms. Olson, and I am the World Language Department Chair. I started teaching with BCPS 12 years ago at Southwest Academy and become a Woodlawn Warrior during the 21-22 school year. I am the GSA facilitator and Foreign Language Club Advisor as well as a member of the AVID site team.

 

I enjoy reading, streaming historical fiction, attending farmer’s markets and festivals, and relaxing with my child and three cats.  

 

Most of all I love getting students excited to learn and making learning fun and engaging! 😊

 

Travis

Name

Gayle Beltrand Travis

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1
Spanish 2

College(s) Attended

Carroll CC (AA)
UMUC (BA)
Goucher College (MAT)

Hometown

Pikesville, MD

Bio: My name is Mrs. Travis.  I am a Spanish teacher in the World Language Department.  I've been teaching at Woodlawn High School since 2022.  I love soccer and I am a coach for Woodlawn's Boys Varsity Soccer team (go Warriors, USA and ¡Hala Madrid! ).  In my spare time, I love traveling, hiking, waterfalls, and a good vanilla chai ;-).

 

Martinez

Name

Raquel Simbala

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1
Spanish 2

College(s) Attended

George Mason University (BA)

Goucher College (MAT)

Hometown

Burke, Virginia

Bio: Bio: Hi! My name is Mrs. Simbala, and I am in the World Language department. I have taught at Woodlawn High School since 2016. In my free time I love going to yoga and pilates classes, spending time in nature, hanging out with friends, working on my 2 businesses, and loving on my family! 

 

Cole

Name

Corin Cole 

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish Language & Culture

Spanish Special Topics

College(s) Attended

McDaniel College (BA)

Hometown

Pasadena, MD

Bio: Hi, I’m Miss Cole and this is my first year at Woodlawn High! When I’m not teaching, I love traveling, listening to music, and caring for my pet chinchilla. In addition to this, I love doing community service with my sorority and being engaged in the community.

 

Ms. Varela

Name

Solange Varela

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1

College(s) Attended

UMBC (BS)

Goucher (MS)

Hometown

Praia, Cape Verde Island

(West Africa)

Bio: BioMy name is Mrs. Varela! The 2023-2024 school year will be my 9th year teaching at WHS and 15th year in education all together. I am in the World Languages Department. I am also the advisor for ASA (African Student Association).  

I am the youngest of 11, I absolutely love to cook and work out. I love going on adventures with my family (Husband Leo and kids Luna, Leya & Levi. I love to travel the world and meet new people, explore different cultures and eat delicious cuisines. 

 

Yu

Name

Shin-Yee Yu

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Chinese 1

Chinese 2

College(s) Attended

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Bachelors in Political Science and Asian Studies)

Goucher College (MA in Teaching)

Hometown

Taipei, Taiwan

Bio: Ni hao! I am Ms. Yu, and I am excited to meet you all this coming academic year. Just a little bit about myself, I was born in Taiwan and am a native Chinese speaker. I am very excited to share with you regarding my native language and culture!

 

I came to the United States when I was ten years old. I attended school (college and graduate school included) in Maryland and have also only taught in Maryland since. So I am definitely a true Marylander! I look forward to meeting you and having you in my class. Please feel free to reach out with any questions at [email protected].