Welcome to First Grade
The First Grade team includes
Teacher: Thea Aldrich |
Hi! My name is Thea Aldrich. I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts. I moved to Arlington from Miami, Florida, where I went to college. I went to grad school in DC, and have been in education for ten years. This is my seventh year teaching first grade. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy being outdoors, and spending time with family. |
![]() Teacher: Kim Spohn |
Hi there! I’m Kim Spohn, and I’m excited to be a part of the 1st grade team at Barcroft this school year! I hail from Pittsburgh, PA and I love the Steelers and Penguins. I received my Elementary and TESOL certifications from Penn State (We Are!) and my Master’s in Math Education from George Mason. I’ve been a classroom teacher and a teacher of English. I’ve taught students from over 23 countries! I’m always looking forward to a new adventure, whether a road trip up interstate 95, or a 28 hour journey to Australia. |
Teacher: Savannah Stapley |
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Special Education Teacher: Nicole Fischer |
My name is Nicole Fischer. I am originally from Buffalo, New York and I moved here in 2010. This is my 14th year teaching. I taught 2nd and 3rd grade in New York and taught Kindergarten at Barcroft for 8 years. I am excited to teach first grade this year! When I am not teaching I love to cook and spend time with my husband and my 3 year old daughter. |
ESOL Teacher: Katherine Cicala
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Hi! My name is Kate Cicala. I am originally from Washington DC but grew up in Shepherdstown, WV. After getting my BA in Anthropology and English from the University of Delaware, I went to visit relatives in Sicily. I ended up staying there for 17 years where I taught English as a Foreign Language. I moved back to this area 6 years ago and went back to school to get my Master’s Degree in ESOL from George Mason University. This is my fourth year teaching ESOL at Barcroft, and sixth working for APS. When I’m not teaching, you can find me racing my mountain bike or baking vegan treats. |