My name is Gina Caparell. I have been teaching at Grant for 34 years. I have a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling and a Language Specialist Credential.  After teaching first grade for 19 years, I transitioned into second grade where I currently teach.

 I have been lucky enough to be a part of this amazing school and community as a parent as well as a teacher. All of my three children attended Grant and transitioned to Point Loma High School.   My 28 year old son Andrew attended San Diego State and now managers the restaurant at Humphrey's and Back Stage Live.  My 25 year old daughter Michaela graduated from UC Davis and is living and working in North Carolina.  While my youngest daughter, Sophie, just graduated from Grant and started at Point Loma High School as a freshman. 

 I have a great passion for teaching and am still marveled by the 7-year-old mind.  One of my greatest joys comes from teaching children how to read and opening a whole new world to them.

 My entire family is in education and the helping profession.  My father was a retired professor from USD and my mother is a retired counselor.  I have two brothers and a sister who also work with children and young adults.  My brother Jeff lives in Jakarta, Indonesia as a diplomat for the International Organization for Migration.  He supports and helps refugees there. My brother Aaron is the parent liaison for home schooling at Julian Charter School and my sister Mia is a domestic violence emergency responder.

I grew up primarily in San Diego and graduated from San Diego High where I played basketball, ran track and became an avid soccer player.  I attended University of San Diego where I received my bachelors in Psychology and minor in Spanish.  My brothers and I spent a summer in Guadalajara immersed in the language.  I also obtained my teaching credential, language specialist certificate, Pupil Personnel Services credential and a Master’s in Educational Counseling. I love to travel and walk on the beach to enjoy sunsets.  I continue to enjoy outdoor activities.  I   I still play competitive soccer ( although it is over 50).   Most weekends I spend on the soccer field or playing pickle ball, listening to live music and riding bikes with my boyfriend Carl.  

 I have been a part of Grant in various capacities throughout the years.  I have served as the Union representative, been a part of the Leadership Team, Governance Team and Foundation. I have been a member of the PTA for my entire teaching career.  I truly love this school and feel that it is my home away from home.

I have a diverse background and through my own personal experiences have developed a sensitivity and awareness to many of the issues our children and families face today.  My three children have very different needs so I am familiar with the IEP process, Seminar and individual differences among family members. I am divorced so I understand the two parent household situations as well.  I believe strongly in the value of education both in and out of the classroom.  

 My hope is that every child will have a positive school experience and develop a life-long love of learning.

 Welcome to our Grant family!  I am looking forward to working with you and your child.  It is going to be a great year!!  

 Contact information: gcaparell@sandi.net