English for Speakers of Other Languages

Mrs. Saah began teaching in Virginia in 1988. Most of her teaching career has been in the regular classroom teaching grades five through eight. . In 1991after she received her Masters in Bilingual and Multicultural Education from George Mason University she taught ESOL at Glasgow Middle School .  She was later married and moved to California and taught in Anaheim , California for a year before relocating back to Virginia with her family. She loves to read, travel and spend time with her family. Her two children are a joy and she is enjoying watching them grow. Mrs. Saah says, “Each school year is exciting and challenging for me and each year I look forward to getting to know my parents and their children.”

Hello!  My name is Philip Spivey, and I am thrilled to be working at Providence Elementary School .  Before coming here, I taught ESOL Science at Lanier Middle School .  I have also taught at other middle schools in Fairfax County .  I love teaching ESOL because I really enjoy language, and it is a great feeling to know that I am a part of helping kids learn and function in a new language.  I am from Fairfax City , and I even went to Providence myself! (Although back then it was called Jermantown).   I have two little girls, two big dogs, cats, birds, and fish. 
"They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel." Quoted from Carl Buechner


Hello!  My name is Mary Campbell and I began teaching in the ESOL program at Providence ES in 2003.  I was introduced to this wonderful program as a substitute teacher and loved it so much I went back to school at the University of Virginia Northern VA Center , and earned my ESOL endorsement.  These students are a joy to teach and each day brings new rewards and challenges.  On a personal note, I was raised in Northern VA and am a product of Fairfax County Public Schools.  My husband also graduated from high school in Fairfax County and teache s for FCPS .  We have two wonderful children.  My favorite activities are spending time with my family, reading, and quilting. 

Ms. Dredge began teaching at Waples Mill Elementary School and has been working with ESOL students since 2001. She recently completed her ESOL certification at George Mason University and expects to complete her master's degree in education there in May 2008. Before teaching, Ms. Dredge worked as a writer, editor, and civil rights advocate. She lives in Fairfax City with her husband and son. In her spare time she likes to read and take walks with the family dog. She also enjoys traveling, music, and handcrafts of all kinds including quilting, knitting, embroidery and rug hooking. Most of all, she enjoys learning new things. "As a former PES volunteer I'm happy to return as a member of the faculty. I look forward to meeting all my students and their families, and finding out all the things they already know!"