Julia Kohler, Science & cognitive capacities
Ms. Kohler was born and raised locally in the DMV, a Montgomery County native. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland with a major in Health Education Reform (IVSP). This was an individually designed major incorporating classes from a plethora of majors including Sociology, Education, Fitness, Public Health, Psychology, Business, Biology, Nutrition, and Kinesiology. She created a Tumblr blog for her capstone project on Holistic Health, titled Naturally-Active-Students which included ten different health related videos that she personally hosted and directed. Ms. Kohler continued to graduate school and received her Master’s in Education from Lesley University. Prior to working for GWCS, Ms. Kohler worked for Mad Science, a company that provides engaging, hands-on science curriculum. In her free time, Ms. Kohler practices yoga, swims, bakes, cooks, makes floral arrangements, and writes poetry. She also enjoys spending time with her friends, roommates, and Corgi (Sammy) and Tabby (Oliver). Ms. Kohler is a lifelong philanthropist. She donated her hair twice to Kids with Hair Loss, and over the years has volunteered for organizations such as the Special Olympics, Icing Smiles, WE The Readers, and Hyattsville Aging in Place. Ms. Kohler loves to travel both locally and internationally. Internationally she has been to England, France, Colombia, Canada, and Costa Rica (she can’t wait for future exploration)! This year Ms. Kohler is teaching Chemistry and Cognitive Capacities. She is also sporadically helping teach Independent Living and Consumer Math with Sr. Torres. Ms. Kohler runs Coyote Café weekly with the help of the Personal Finance class and is the lead teacher of Amazing Days-Art. She is also the events coordinator at GWCS, helping plan and facilitate events like Halloween, Prom, and GWCS Palooza.
COURSES TAUGHT
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the components of matter and how these components behave and interact with one another. Students will learn how to balance chemical equations, the structure and function of essential elements, and how to analyze chemical reactions within experimental labs. The periodic table of elements will be studied and analyzed throughout the course to increase understanding of the various components of matter and energy. Students will be expected to work simple mathematical computations daily.
Cognitive Capacities
Cognitive Capacities is a class designed to streamline your student through a successful educational career. This class offers a variety of integrative collaborative workshops that will elevate your student’s executive functioning skills. Students will become proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Drive, and Teams and learn the basics of organization, note-taking, time management, study skills, email writing, and so much more. Students will receive personalized comprehensive feedback-based coaching to achieve their educational goals. The class will embark on multiple field trips throughout the year for experiential learning through real world applications. We will start the school year by attending a field trip to Staples and Dollar Tree to jumpstart our organization. Cognitive Capacities also offers opportunities for students to work on homework, outstanding class assignments, and receive direct tutoring support.
