2007

Jenny McGourty-Riggs

English Teacher

El Roble Intermediate School

Hire Date

2/1/88

Years of Service

18

Degrees

B.A., University of La Verne

Secondary Credential, University of La Verne

To teach well, we do not need more techniques and strategies as much as we need a vision of what is essential. It is not the number of good ideas that turns our work into art, but the selection, balance and design of those ideas. —Lucy Calkins

This teacher is a passionate professional who deeply feels a commitment to students and teaching. This person is a dedicated teacher who seriously lives her responsibilities and works diligently at achieving student success. This teacher’s gift is the appreciation of a student’s unique personality and talents. Each one feels heard and understood on a deep level. There is a sense of safety that this teacher creates with these students that empowers them to risk, to learn, and to grow as well as explore their own strengths.

In reviewing this individual’s file looking over letters received over the years the same statements are repeated, “… maintains an exemplary program, one that focuses on both the building and the integration of academic skills, … is to be commended on the continuing efforts to improve the quality of learning and the willingness to share experiences and expertise with peers.”

Our Teacher of the Year is a product of the Claremont Unified School District, attending Condit Elementary (having Mrs. Freitas as her sixth grade teacher, by the way), El Roble and graduating from Claremont High in 1981. She attended the University of La Verne where she received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree and secondary credential in 1986. She did part of her student teaching at Claremont High School, her alma mater!

This colleague began at Claremont Unified School District as a substitute teacher in 1987 and was then hired as an English teacher at El Roble where she has remained for her teaching career. During her tenure she has served as Department Chair for the English Department and Year Book Advisor, has been a Professional Development Day presenter, consulting teacher, involved with Teen Scene after school sports at El Roble and very active with the bike marathon held each year. Her family consists of husband, Mike, and children, Samantha and Taylor. Hobbies include any and everything having to do with outdoor sports!

It’s with great pleasure I present to you, the Board of Education, Dr. Smith and the staff and the community, the 2007 Claremont Unified School District Teacher of the Year – Jenny McGourty-Riggs.