Meet Lena Tsaoussis
pronounced:tsa-oo-sees (Greek) or sow-sis (Anglicized)
What is your history in education (when did you start, where, what did you teach, etc.) What did you do before you became an educator and why did you leave it?
Believe it or not, the first classes that I taught were university level writing courses when I was a 22 year-old grad student studying Medieval literature and history in Florida. It was part of the deal -- we pay for your degree, you teach these classes. There was very little training and it was pure chaos trying to teach 3 classes while also being a full-time student, but I think I secretly enjoyed it (even if I was probably terrible at it at the time). After getting my MA in Medieval studies, I was done with academia (it felt very isolating) and decided not to pursue my PhD. Instead, I decided to lean into teaching and learn how to do it properly. My husband (then boyfriend) had already been living in NYC for a year and we thought about staying there permanently so I applied to grad programs in the area and ended up pursuing my MA in Education from New York University.
While in New York, I taught high school and middle school English in Brooklyn and Manhattan. After a year, we became VERY disillusioned with living in NYC and we had just happened to have visited my aunt in Seattle the previous year. I had always loved it out here when I visited, so on a whim we moved across the country with our three cats and fish all in the UHaul.
Once in Washington, I taught middle school English in the Auburn School District for 3 years before finding Gibson Ek!
Why did you decide to join the GEk team?
Much like many of our students, I felt very stifled in the traditional school system. I love history and English, but having to stick to formalized curricula that weren't serving students was difficult for me. Even while teaching at a traditional middle school, I found ways to incorporate project-based learning -- such as using Dungeons & Dragons as a means to teach writing.
I fell in love with Gibson during my research and my visit here. So much so that after my interview, I went home and told my husband, "If I don't get to teach there, I don't want to teach anywhere."
You wear many hats at GEk. Tell us about your other roles besides advisor.
I specialize in writing, literature, and history but I am definitely a professional dabbler. I love working with students one-on-one with their writing and because of my love for digital art and 3D modeling and printing, I've joined the tech space this year. It's been a lot of fun! I am also one of our two ASB advisors with Steven.
What makes you excited to come to work every day?
I love being able to talk with any student about their passion projects! Whenever I have the opportunity to wander the school during exploration, it always puts a smile on my face.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?
I am a huge nerd. My husband, Nick, and I play D&D weekly and video games whenever we get the chance. I also love hiking, gardening, cooking, and this past summer I learned how to ride a bike (yes, I'm serious). I love making things whenever I can - like resin dice! I also might not be an art teacher, but I do dabble in digital art and I'm not half-bad!
Favorite food(s)?
Well, as a first-generation Greek-American, I am constantly experimenting with making my family's traditional recipes... but vegetarian!
Favorite book, movie, band/song, quote?
Book - His Dark Materials series
Band - Muse
If you could go back in time and tell your highschool self one thing (or two), what would you say?
You're a weird nerd. You'll be happier once you accept that.
Anything else we should know about you?
My husband, Nick, and I live in North Bend with our 4 cats. I'm trying to think of anything else that might be interesting! I know several languages -- English and Greek natively and I had to learn French, Middle English, Old English, Latin, and Modern Greek as part of my studies!
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