Woodlawn High School

Name

Jess Olson

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 2

Spanish Language & Culture

College(s) Attended

University of Pittsburgh

Hometown

Lititz, PA

I am proud to be part of the Woodlawn High School community, where I’ve been teaching for the past four years. With over a decade of experience in the Baltimore County Public Schools system, I bring a passion for education and a deep commitment to my students.

Teaching is more than a job for me—it’s my passion, and the classroom is truly my happy place. I find joy in getting to know my students, understanding their unique strengths, and helping them succeed academically and personally.

When I’m not in the classroom (which is rare!), you’ll likely find me reading, spending quality time with my daughter and friends, or cooking something delicious!

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 ;-).

Name

Corin Cole 

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 2
Spanish 4

College(s) Attended

McDaniel College (BA)

Hometown

Pasadena, MD

Hi, I’m Miss Cole, and I’m thrilled to be teaching at Woodlawn. I’m from Maryland and hold a degree in Spanish Language and Literature from McDaniel College. I’m passionate about creating an engaging, inclusive classroom where students can grow academically and personally. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures, which I love incorporating into my lessons. I look forward to an exciting school year and to helping students reach their full potential!

Name

Solange Varela

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Spanish 1
Spanish 2

College(s) Attended

UMBC (BS)

Goucher (MS)

Hometown

Praia, Cape Verde Island

(West Africa)

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! My name is Mrs. Varela! I’m thrilled to be entering my 10th year of teaching at WHS and my 16th year in education overall. I’m fluent in four languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Creole, which allows me to connect with a diverse group of students and families.

My family is my greatest joy—I’m happily married to my wonderful husband, Leo, and we have three amazing kids: Luna, Leya, and Levi. When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me traveling the world, cooking up new recipes, or planning my next adventure. I’m excited to make this year a memorable one for all of us!

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].