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! 😊

 


Name

Gayle Beltrand Travis

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1
Spanish 2

College(s) Attended

Coming Soon

Hometown

Coming Soon

Bio: Coming Soon

 

Martinez

Name

Raquel Simbala

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1

College(s) Attended

George Mason University (BA)

Goucher College (MAT)

Hometown

Burke, Virginia

Bio: My name is Ms. Simbala, and I am in the World Language department. I have taught at Woodlawn Highschool since 2016. In my free time I love working out, spending time in nature, blogging, watching TV and listening to relaxing music with lots of candles on! 

 

Phillips

Name

Christine Phillips

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 2

Spanish Language & Culture Honors

College(s) Attended

Loyola University Maryland

BA in Spanish & Speech Language Hearing Sciences

Master of Arts in Teaching ‘19

Hometown

Forest Hill, Maryland

Bio: My name is Ms. Phillips and I have been a Spanish Teacher at WHS for 5 years! I graduated from Edgewood High School’s International Baccalaureate Program in Harford County. I am also the PBIS Coordinator for WHS

 

I am not a native Spanish speaker and learned the language in high school, college, and studying abroad in Granada, Spain and Buenos Aires, Argentina. I danced from age 3 to 21, doing ballet, tap, jazz, and modern and I can still do a split 😊. I was an alto in Loyola’s Chapel Choir and love to sing.

 

You can follow me on Twitter @SrtaCPhillips and on Instagram @srtaphillips

 

Ms. Varela

Name

Solange Varela

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1

TAM (Child Development)

College(s) Attended

UMBC (BS)

Goucher (MS)

Hometown

Praia, Cape Verde Island

(West Africa)

Bio: My name is Mrs. Varela! The 22-23 school year will be my 8th year teaching at WHS and 15th year in education all together.  I am in the world language and CTE 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, Luna (4) and Leya (3). 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]