8th Grade Math Teacher
Davis_Hirschfeld@dpsk12.net
720-424-5660
8th Gr Math Teacher
T_Mendonca-Da-Costa@dpsk12.net
I am from Embu Guaçu, a city in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil. My academic career in mathematics began with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Teaching (2008), followed by a master’s degree (2011) and a doctorate (2014) in Mathematics. I furthered my research as a visiting doctoral student at the University of Colorado, Denver, in 2013, and returned for a postdoctoral fellowship in 2014.
I spent four years as a university professor in Brazil and Chile. This is my first year as a middle school teacher. Outside of school, my hobbies include watching movies and spending time with my family and friends.
“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” Bob Marley
ELD Teacher/Instructional Coach
Jesus_Nicho@dpsk12.net
720-424-5513
My name is Jesús. I have a master’s degree in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Colorado. This is my 9th year at DPS and I’ve supported my community in different roles. In addition to teaching, I am a part-time Zumba Fitness Instructor at Denver Recreation Centers. I am married and have a beautiful son.
A quote that I try to live by:
“We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.” —Kofi Annan
ELD & Social Studies Teacher
Yaela_Tapia-Tuiran@dpsk12.net
8th Grade Science Teacher/Instructional Coach
Heather_Kill@dpsk12.net
720-424-5702
I am from Crystal Lake, Illinois. I received my Bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where I was a college athlete. I also received my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Regis University. This is my 8th year teaching and I am extremely excited to be at McGlone. In my free time, I love to go snowboarding, swimming, hiking, boating, and going to sporting events (especially if Chicago is playing).
A quote that I try to live by:
“Tough Times Never Last, Touch People Do.” —Robert H. Schuller
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Gusten_Lutter@dpsk12.net
720-424-5726
My last school of many was UC Denver, for my teacher certification. I have studied for many years, been a computer programmer and a computer salesman, cooked Indian and Nepali food for 500 at a camp, and my most important hobby is reading and personal research into the areas I teach.
A quote that I try to live by:
The goal of the school is to teach every child. Teachers no longer say, “I taught it, I’m sorry they didn’t learn it.”