English Language Arts

ELA Department Introduction

Welcome to English! At Mar Vista Academy our English department is dedicated to providing all of our students with engaging and empowering lessons in our English and English Language Development classrooms. We implement the California Common Core State Standards for English and the California English Language Development Standards in our core curriculum. We work hard to provide our students with multiple opportunities to engage with our classroom curriculum through various scaffolds, student structured interactions, and different ways to show their mastery of learning. If you have any questions, please reach out to our English teachers. Our contact information is provided in the syllabi below. We look forward to working with you this year! Go Vikings!

English 7 Syllabus

 English 8 Syllabus

ELD Syllabus

English x Syllabus (Coming Soon)

Meet your English Language Arts & English Language Development teachers!

Mrs. Bailon crystal.bailon@sweetwaterschools.org

Mrs. Bailon has been teaching for 11 years, and has been a Viking for the past 9 years. As an English and English Language Development teacher their favorite part of the class is engaging students in analytical thinking and discussion. In our classes, students will learn to collaborate with peers, self advocate and create and innovate among other academic skills. Mrs. Bailon looks forward to working with your students to engage, educate and empower them using California Common Core English Standards. 

Mrs. Crawford tori.crawford@sweetwaterschools.org

Mrs. Crawford has been teaching for 23 years and has been a Viking for the past 9 years. As an ELA teacher the best part of class is when students are excited and engaged and their ideas build on top of others.  In our English class students will learn knowledge and skills to help them be the most successful people they can be. Mrs. Crawford looks forward to working with your students, learning and having fun. 

Mr. Espinoza estevan.espinoza@sweetwaterschools.org

Mr. Espinoza has been teaching for 2 years and will be spending his first year as a Viking. As an English teacher, he hopes to make all students enthusiastic about reading and help them feel confident in sharing their creativity with others. In his English 7 co-teach class, students will focus on annotating and analyzing texts as they develop their critical thinking skills. Mr. Espinoza looks forward to building meaningful connections with his students as they prepare for their high school years. 

Mrs. Faiai-Su’esu’e leilani.faiai@sweetwaterschools.org

Mrs. Faiai-Su’esu’e has been teaching for 9 years and has been a Viking for the past 8 years. As an English 8 teacher her favorite part of her classes is getting to know her students. In our English 8 class this year we will learn about how to overcome challenges through engaging lessons, student structured interactions, and peer collaboration. Mrs. Faia-Su’esu’ei looks forward to working with your 8th grade students and having fun while engaging with California Common Core English Standards. 

Ms. Forsstrom  sonja.forsstrom@sweetwaterschools.org

Ms. Forsstrom has been teaching for 17  years, and has been a Viking for the past 10 years.  Before teaching, Ms. Forsstrom was working in the field of mental health as a therapist and counselor for all ages of clients.  As a Special Education teacher her favorite part of the class is listening and engaging with students and providing support. In our English 8 co-teach and English 7 co-teach classes, students will learn how to “digest” a text and annotate all parts.  Students will be reading, writing, listening and speaking throughout the school year.  Ms. Forsstrom looks forward to getting to know students and developing good working relationships that help them be successful in school and life.

Mrs. Gonzalez  olga.gonzalez@sweetwaterschools.org 

Mrs. Gonzalez has been teaching for 23 years, and has been a Viking for the past 21 years. As an English 8 teacher her favorite part of the class is connecting with students and helping them reach their potential. In our English 8 class, students will learn critical thinking, reading, and writing skills that will prepare them for high school. Mrs. Gonzalez looks forward to a great year of helping your 8th grade students learn and grow. 

Mr. Zimmerman  jeffrey.zimmerman@sweetwaterschools.org