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!

|
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
|
 |
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!
|

|
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
|

|
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.
|

|
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]
|