Adult English Classes
Teacher Profiles
FERNANDO CESPEDES, Online Lead Teacher
Fernando Cespedes has volunteered with the Real World English program on and off since 2016. Fernando has a degree in English as a Second Language (ESOL) and has worked as a teacher and Director of the ESOL Department in different schools in Greensboro and Winston-Salem in North Carolina. He loves working with students from different countries. He is married to Carol, who is also part of the RWE program, has three children and a dog even though the last one behaves more like a fourth child than like a pet. He is studying Graphic Design and Illustration Online and loves to cook, read, write novels, draw, paint, and do everything related to art.
EDISON GARCIA, In Person Teacher
Edison Garcia has been teaching in the Real World English program since September 2017. Currently licensed as a teacher in the state of North Carolina, with a B.S. in Foreign Languages and a M.A. in TESOL, he is a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and dedicated educator who strives to help all his students, including his international students, to succeed. As a Middle School (ESL) Teacher and Level 1 instructor for RWE, he enjoys getting involved and helping the international community in Greensboro. Besides participating in RWE, he enjoys books, hiking and traveling to different destinations.
CAROL ZEGARRA, Online Teacher
Carol Zegarra has been teaching in the Real World English program since it began in January 2015. Carol holds a degree in English as a Second Language (ESOL) and is a certified teacher currently working in the Spanish Immersion Program at Swann Middle in Greensboro, NC. Carol teaches the basic level classes and loves the program. Carol is Peruvian, married to Fernando (who is also a volunteer in the program), has three beautiful children and a dog. Carol enjoys taking walks, crafting, and watching mystery movies.
BARBARA LEVIN, Citizenship Preparation class teacher and UNCG liaison.
Barbara Levin has volunteered with the Real World English program since its inception in January 2015. She co-taught an advanced intermediate class with Amie Whitaker for many years before teaching the citizenship preparation class, and she serves as the liaison between UNCG and Allen Middle School. She takes notes about our weekly debriefing meetings and manages paperwork including attendance, registration, printing, budget, and publicity. Barbara is a retired faculty member from the School of Education at UNCG and loves her Real World English students and colleagues. She is married and has one granddaughter and two cats: Sonny and Cher. She is learning Spanish and loves to cook, read, write fiction, do yoga, and travel.
AMIE WHITAKER, In person teacher
Amie Whitaker has been teaching in the Real World English program since September 2015. Amie currently teaches the intermediate course. She likes using the students’ needs and interests to help her plan units and lessons for her students. She is a retired from the Guilford County School System but continues to teach AG students parttime. Amie enjoys working with both children and adults. Amie has two children and one grandchild. She has two cats and enjoys watercolor painting, reading, and playing bridge.
Maria Cristina C. Morales
Maria Cristina C. Morales has been teaching in the Real World English program since September 2021. A licensed 6-12 teacher in North Carolina, has been teaching for 17 years. Her previous educational experience includes being a 5th-12th Grade Teacher, a Curriculum Designer, and a High School Teacher. Her passion is to make a difference to the lives of the students entrusted to her care. She loves to meet people, share stories, and listen to them. She enjoys being with the young people and motivating them to aim high and reach for their dreams. She is teaching Level 2 of the Real World English. She loves the experience and the new people she meets along the way.
Vladimir Alarcon
Vladimir Alarcon has a degree in Foreign Languages Teaching and a Master’s degree in Spanish Linguistics. He has been teaching ESL and Spanish at the High School and College level for the past 9 years of his life. Currently, he is a teacher at Winston Salem-Forsyth School District and an in person teacher at Real World English. He is so excited about helping level I students to be involved with the English language program and willing to assist them anytime they need him. In his spare time, Mr. Alarcon enjoys going for a walk, hanging out with friends and traveling to international destinations
