The English for Speakers of Other Languages/High Intensity Language Training (ESOL/HILT) program of Arlington Public Schools serves students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Sheila Majdi
sheila.majdi@apsva.us
My name is Sheila Majdi and I am from Vienna, VA. This will be my fifth year teaching, and my first at Claremont. I received a master’s in Education from the University of Virginia. This year I look forward to working with students and families to promote strategies for bilingualism and biliteracy both inside and outside school walls. I speak English, Spanish and Farsi, and during my free time I love to travel.
Dr. Elizabeth Varela
elizabeth.varela@apsva.us
It is my hope and dream that every child at Claremont will become a creative thinker who is a resourceful, capable and enthusiastic life-long learner. I grew up in Arlington and attended Ashlawn, Swanson, and H-B Woodlawn. I received my bachelor’s degree in Spanish and my master’s degree in Linguistics from George Mason University. I received my doctorate in Linguistics from Georgetown University. I spend my free time attending my sons’ sporting events, bike riding, and skiing.
Ms. Kathleen Cody
I returned to APS last year after 5 years of teaching in New Mexico. I have taught ESOL, Spanish and Italian in my 11 years as a teacher. I earned my Bachelor’s (Spanish and Linguistics) and Master’s degree (Teaching English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education) at Georgetown University and my Education Specialist degree in Reading at UVA. I love traveling, yoga, running, and spending time with my family.
Dr. Muhib Abdur-Rahman
My name is Muhib Abdur-Rahman, and I am an English Learner Teacher here at Claremont. Having previously taught at the middle and high school level, I am excited to part of an Immersion learning community.
Samantha Kirch
Hi! My name is Samantha Kirch. I speak English and Spanish and I look forward to partnering with students and families. Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. I also like yoga, hiking with my dog, and spending time with my friends and family. We are going to have a great year!
