Second Grade

Getting to know Mrs. Ramirez - 2017 Teacher of the Year!

What college did you attend?

Cal State University Fullerton

What is your experience as a teacher?

I taught 3 years of 1st grade at El Sol Science Arts Academy before coming to Guin Foss, where I’ve taught 1st grade for 14 years.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Writing

Who is your favorite scholar?

Thomas Edison

What are some of your hobbies?

I like reading and traveling.

What is an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

I am the 12th child in my family.

If you would like to contact Mrs. Ramirez, you can email her at blramirez@tustin.k12.ca.us.

Getting to Know Mrs. De Souza

What colleges did you attend?

I earned my Bachelor’s degree at Chapman University, spent a magical semester studying abroad at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and completed my Master’s degree at Georgia State University! 🎓✨ 

What is your experience as a teacher?

The 2026-2027 academic year will be my 16th year of teaching and learning. I’ve taught every grade for at least 3 years (except fourth grade). 

What is your favorite subject in school?

ART! 🎨🖌️ I truly believe art is the ultimate form of brainpower, so I love sneakily weaving drawing, coloring, and crafting into every single subject we learn.

Who is your favorite scholar?

My dog, Georgia! 🐾 She's a brilliant Rottweiler currently writing her dissertation on The Fine Art of Locating Hidden Balls on Neighborhood Walks (because fetch is overrated, but ball-finding is a true science). 🎾🐶 

…but also Leonardo da Vinci — Because he proved you can be a scientist, inventor, and master painter all at once!

What are some of your hobbies?

Making art, snorkeling, practicing yoga, eating delicious food, and going on adventures with my husband. 🧘‍♀️🥽✈️ 

What is an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

I’ve gone cage diving with Great Whites in South Africa and snorkeled with Scalloped Hammerheads in the Galápagos! Experiencing apex predators in the wild proves I can handle just about anything... even a room full of dolphins. 🦈🌊

If you would like to contact Mrs. De Souza, you can email her at mdesouza@tustin.k12.ca.us.