Cathy Espinoza
As a native of Safford Arizona, I graduated from the University of Arizona and started teaching in Thatcher Public schools in 1977. Of my 27 years in education, 17 were in TUSD schools. I have taught in grades K-8, Ballet Folklorico and Mexican American Studies and am now a Language Acquisition Specialist for the Language Acquisition Department.
Cruz Herrera (K-5)
Bio here
Lizeth Quijada (K-5)
I wanted to become an English Language Development teacher so that I can help EL students like me succeed, as well as feel embraced and loved. I like working with the troublesome students and try to understand their problems. These were the students who experience the most growth in my classroom. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in bilingual education and have taught for 27 years in grades 2, 4, and 5. In my spare time, I enjoy shopping, art history, painting, spending time with my children, cooking, and organizing.
Marisa Pargas (K-5)
Bio here
Lourdes Serna (K-5)
Bio here
John D'Andrea (6-12)
Bio here
Ben Kowalski (6-12)
I strive to impact students by supporting teachers with planning engaging lessons, use of technology and sharing my experiences living in 6 countries, working as a teacher training with the US Peace Corps, and 10 years in the middle school classroom as an English Language Development teacher. I graduated from University of Pittsburgh with a BA in Linguistics and from University of Arizona with a Master’s in Education. In my free time, I enjoy soccer and cycling.
Maritza Mazon (6-12)
Bio here