Varela Teacher Replacement

Valentin Cotoc-Ortiz

Staff Writer

Amidst Cape’s 24-25 school year, new arrival Cheryl Varela de Lofgren has taken over the classes of Spanish I and II.

Teaching language courses for over 15 years, Varela plans on making this year one full of helping Spanish-speaking students, and adjusting to the new environment around her.

“I’ve been teaching English as a second language,” says Varela, “it’s more my niche than Spanish is, but you know, when you’re given the opportunity, you take it.... I’m a temporary Spanish teacher. [Once I know more] I’ll definitely, you know, get more involved and consider all the clubs, and I’ve been thinking about tutoring after school, but I’m still trying to settle in my new position.” 

Taking the position of past teacher Pazmino, Varela has confidence in her ability to teach Spanish I and II so far — having taught English, Spanish immersion, and engineering to Spanish-speaking students.

Utilizing the job offered, Varela loves teaching the students of Cape, enjoying seeing the progression the students are showing. Though Varela loves teaching Spanish and thrives in finding ways to support Spanish students, she loves even more to pursue technology and an engineering related education. 

“When I was teaching engineering, I was also teaching how to use the 3D printers, and how to design something that you could print in 3D. It was very cool, very exciting.” 

Still settling in here at Cape, Varela has been in Delaware for three years so far, having made home and taught in Maryland for ten years. “There were a lot of cultural places where a lot of cultures met, like music or exhibitions [near me], but here, you’d need to go like two hours away for anything.”

Having grown up in a small town her whole life in Panama, she enjoys going out and exploring the world, going to theatres and symphonic orchestras. “I’m not a small town person,” Varela said, having traveled to places like Canada, France, and Panama with her husband and daughter, viewing and learning about new cultural traditions and aspects.