Search

English Learner Program

EL team

Front Row–Emily Hernandez (Gr. K), Bobbi Dailey (Gr. 1), Marilyn, Hanger (Gr. 2)

Back Row–Allison Walker (EL Asst.), Christianne Chong (Gr. 3), Kirsten Fitzgerald (Gr. 4), Soroush Zargarani (Gr. 5), Augusto Wayar (Parent Resource), Mungunzaya Coughlin (Parent Resource)

Meet the English Language Team!!!

User Image

Emily Hernandez

Hello, All-stars!I am Mrs. Hernandez. I was born in Washington, DC and lived most of my life in Maryland. I have lived in Arlington for 6 years and I love it here! I was a classroom teacher until I switched to teaching English language 7 years ago. I love teaching English because I am a language learner myself. I speak Spanish, French, Russian and Georgian. Please practice with me! Outside of school, I stay busy cooking, knitting, reading and keeping up with my 3 sons.

User Image

Lauren Stephenson

Hello! My name is Lauren Stephenson and I am one of the Kindergarten EL (English Learner) teachers. I am an APS graduate (Oakridge Elementary, Gunston Middle School, Wakefield High School). I attended George Mason University where I majored in Spanish. I have also attended the University Of Virginia’s College At Wise for my Special Education courses. I have been fortunate to work in many different positions in Arlington Public Schools-one of them includes being an Assistant Supervisor in the Extended Day program. I am fortunate to be able to bring what I have learned into my current position. I look forward to the new school year! I also look forward to working with families as well.

User Image

Nora Garcia

Hi All-Stars! I’m Ms. Garcia and I’m a first grade English Language teacher at Hoffman-Boston. I’ve been a teacher with Arlington Public Schools for 14 years. I enjoy teaching and spending time with students. I also love animals (including reptiles), and enjoy painting, traveling, skiing, and reading. I can’t wait to meet you all this year!

User Image

Bobbi Dailey

Hello everyone! I’m Ms. Dailey. I am the English Learner teacher for First Grade, which means I am here to support students who are learning English. This is my fifth year at Hoffman-Boston! The past four years, I have worked with Kindergarten, so I’m very excited to be with some of your children that I taught last year.😊A little bit about me: I have lived in Missouri, California, Germany, Thailand, and Virginia I love elephants and the color yellow I enjoy traveling and learning different languages (I currently speak Thai and I can usually understand Spanish and German). I can’t wait to meet you all or see you all again!

User Image

Kirsten Fitzgerald

Hello!! I am Kirsten Fitzgerald and I’m originally from Alexandria and taught high school there for many years.  This is my 8th year at Hoffman-Boston but my first with 4th grade.  I am endorsed as an English Language teacher. I have a degree in Health and Physical Education and a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. I enjoy being outside when it’s not too hot or too cold. I love reading autobiographies and historical fiction.  My crocheting is reaching new levels with practice.  And I love snuggling with my dog, Mozzie.

User Image

Soroush Zargarani

Hello! My name is Soroush Zargarani. This will be my 4th year at Hoffman-Boston as EL (English Learner) teacher for 5th grade. I grew up all around northern Virginia, but also lived in Richmond for several years where I studied world languages and cultures. I wanted to be an EL teacher because of my appreciation for the many teachers who taught me over the years and of course my interest in different languages and cultures. When I am not teaching I love to read, cook and spend time outdoors. My favorite book genres are history and science fiction, and I usually read several books at a time!