Second Grade

Bailey Gulley began her teaching journey in 2018. She is a proud Penn State alum who holds an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education. She earned her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in STEM from the University of Cincinnati. Ms. Gulley's favorite part of teaching is building relationships with her students and seeing the joy that comes when they learn and succeed. Outside of school, she loves to read books, nosh on donuts, cheer for the Cincinnati Bengals and Penn State, and go on long walks.

Sophia (Sophie) Ritt began working as a teacher in 2021 after earning a B.A. in Psychology and an M.T. in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia. She loves learning from her students and creating a welcoming classroom community. When she's not at school, she can be found enjoying the great outdoors, watching Frozen 2 (her favorite movie), eating sushi (her favorite food), or snuggling her most wonderful kitty, Junie.

Leah Smith began her career as an educator in 2020 after graduating from Slippery Rock University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Dance. Her favorite part of teaching is helping students find a love of learning. In her free time, she likes to read mystery novels, go for walks, and spend time with family and friends. Her favorite food is French fries, which she loves to enjoy before teaching dance in the evenings.

Gina Cortez began working in schools in 2014. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology (minor in Political Science) from the University of Texas at El Paso, and a Dual Masters in Elementary and Special Education from Lesley University. Gina's favorite part of teaching is watching students take ownership of their learning and growth. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys exploring the hiking trails across the DMV, eating spicy food, and working in gardens -- Gina is a DC Master Gardener and always has time to talk growing! Fun fact: Ms. Cortez is a third generation teacher; her grandmother taught in Puerto Rico, her mom has taught 40+ years in New Mexico, her two younger brothers teach English literature and pickle ball, and her partner teaches first grade in Alexandria. Talk about education as a family business!

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