Gissel Burgos

Gissel Burgos
2024 S.P.A.R.K. Award Winner

Gissel is an ENL teacher and teacher leader at Family Life Academy Charter Middle School in the Bronx. She was born and raised in the Bronx, New York to immigrant parents from Colombia and the Dominican Republic. She has degrees in Childhood Education and T.E.S.O.L. and has been teaching and supporting ELL students for five years. In her S.P.A.R.K. nomination submission, Gissel was described as a “fierce advocate for ENL students” and a teacher leader who supports other staff by deepening their understanding of the challenges our ELL population face and ways to create nurturing and inclusive classrooms for all learners.” Take a look at Gissel’s blog series for insights into her work with MLLs/ELLs (Part 1 and Part 2).