Faculty

Suzie Hester, Director

Suzie Hester is the director of the HCPS Center for Spanish Language and Global Citizenship. She came to J.R. Tucker High School in 2017. Mrs. Hester attended Texas Christian University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She has an endorsement in Spanish after living and studying in Madrid at the Complutense University of Madrid and Cervantes Institute. Mrs. Hester worked in Chesterfield County for 19 years as a Spanish teacher and has presented at the Foreign Language Association of Virginia Conference.

Mrs. Hester has lived in Belgium and Spain, and her three biological children were born abroad. Upon returning to the United States she and her husband adopted another child. She has traveled abroad with students many times and loves experiencing cultures firsthand, and hopes to pass that excitement on to her students. Mrs. Hester teaches the newly aligned elective courses for the 10th, 11th and 12th grade Immersion students. She also teaches and organizes the field experience opportunities, to enable all Center students to use their language skills outside the classroom.

Janean Rodkey

Janean Rodkey came to J.R. Tucker from Stafford County, with college, upper level and AP Spanish teaching experience. Ms. Rodkey teaches Immersion seniors in the AP Spanish Literature and Culture course. She has a master's in education in foreign language instruction. Ms. Rodkey is passionate about fostering and contributing to an exciting and safe learning environment. She is dedicated to educating, inspiring and engaging students to become productive and responsible citizens.

Aaron Lam

Aaron Lam is new to J.R. Tucker High School, but not new to teaching. His experience creates a confidence as he continues instruction with the Immersion 10 sophomores. His education and love for Spain and  linguistics brings a refreshing touch to learning the Spanish language.

Kevin Dasta-Irizarry

Kevin Dasta-Irizarry has helped expand the Immersion class options. He teaches freshmen and sophomore Spanish immersion P.E. and health courses. A native of Puerto Rico, Mr. Dasta's culture and accent bring a flair from the island to his classroom. In his free time he enjoys dancing bachata, merengue and salsa and following major league baseball.

Noryda Cordoba Leon

Ms. Leon comes to Tucker High School from Columbia through the Participe program. Participate sends qualified teachers to the US to teach. Ms. Leon brings a wealthy of information and experience to the Immersion classrooms including partnerships with schools in Columbia. Not only her accent but her cultural influence in the classroom enriches every lesson.