Meet the English Department
Amber Curtis-Trudell, 6th Grade English Teacher
amber.curtis-trudell@cottonwoodclassical.org
Andrea Lopez, 6th and 7th Grade English Language Arts; Director of Special Education
andrea.lopez@cottonwoodclassical.org
Andrea Lopez is a proud Cuban American who is native to Albuquerque, NM. After graduating from New Mexico Highlands University with her Bachelor’s Degrees in both Elementary Education and Special Education with a Gifted Endorsement, Andrea began her career as an educator in 2013. For the past 6 years, she has been the Director of Special Education at Cottonwood Classical. In addition to her position as Special Education Director, she is also the Assistant District Testing Coordinator, a Certified Instructor for CPI, a founding member of the CCPS Equity Council, and she teaches 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts. She is also a proud single mother to a very vibrant and precocious little girl named Vienna. Over her years at CCPS and has grown both as a person and a teacher. Her goal is to be a life long learner and never forget the words of Socrates who said; “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
Angelique Rodriguez, 7th Grade English Teacher
angelique.rodriguez@cottonwoodclassical.org
Mrs. Rodriguez is a seventh-grade English Language Arts teacher who values the unique perspectives each student offers. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of New Mexico and is completing her MS in Education at the University of the Southwest. Outside of teaching, she enjoys discussing music, coaching sports, and spending time with her husband and dogs.
Keith Burnstein, 8th Grade English Teacher – Department Chair
keith.burnstein@cottonwoodclassical.org
Keith Burnstein is an educator, musician, and film composer with 20 years of classroom experience in K-8 settings. He started his career as a general music teacher at P.S. 305 in Brooklyn, NY, and later ran The Project Arts Program for his district. Since then, he has taught Middle School Science and Humanities in New Orleans, Louisiana, and received extensive training at the Paideia Institute in Asheville, NC. Most recently, Mr. Burnstein was the IB Coordinator and Assistant Principal at Kehoe-France School in Metairie, LA where he ran the school’s MYP Program from 2020-2023. Keith is thrilled to be back in the classroom (where the magic happens) teaching 8th Grade English.
Lauren Farmer, 12th Grade English Teacher
lauren.farmer@cottonwoodclassical.org
Lauren Farmer has been teaching at CCPS for a decade and absolutely loves this community! Lauren was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and attended UNM for both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Lauren has taught every single grade from 6th grade to 12th grade at CCPS. However, Lauren has been teaching 12th Grade English Lit for the past 4 years and will be adding 1 class of 8th grade English Lit to her coursload this year. When Lauren isn’t teaching, she loves to read, play soccer, and most of all spend time with her husband and 3 year old son, George.
Alexandria Ross, 11th Grade English Teacher
a.ross@cottonwoodclassical.org
Alexandria Ross graduated from CCPS in 2017 and is an IB Diploma recipient. They hold a BA in English Literature from Clark University, and an MFA in creative writing from Eastern Washington University. Professor Ross loves teaching English as a way to explore what it means to be human throughout time and space.
Garrett Oakley, 10th Grade English Teacher
garrett.oakley@cottonwoodclassical.org
Garrett Oakley is an experienced 10th grade English teacher entering their fifth year in the profession. Having taught AP Literature and Composition, Mr. Oakley brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for literary analysis and critical thinking to the classroom. Recently relocated to the city, this is Mr. Oakley’s first year at CCPS, where he is excited to contribute to the school’s vibrant academic community.
Eli Feliciano, 9th Grade English Teacher
eli.feliciano@cottonwoodclassical.org
Eli Feliciano received his BA in Education from UNM. Originally from Santa Fe, he lived in New Hampshire and California before returning to the Land of Enchantment. Having studied Shakespeare abroad in England, Eli enjoys dissecting Shakespearean literature. He loves music, art, and games (including board games, tabletop role-playing games, video games, and game design)!
