2002

Judi McKee

Classroom Teacher

Vista del Valle Elementary School

Hire Date

1987

Years of Service

13

Degrees

B.A., Pepperdine University

M.A. Education, Pepperdine University

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

Judi came to Claremont in 1987 as a kindergarten teacher at Oakmont Elementary.

She had previously taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the Learning Center of the Women’s Assistance League of East San Gabriel Valley and the Bonita Unified School District.

She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Pepperdine University where she also received her Master’s degree in Education.

After beginning in Claremont Unified School District at Oakmont she moved to Vista del Valle in 1989 where she worked in Centers as a lead teacher with Teri Tondee. She then worked as a part-time instructional assistant in Centers while she was also writing science curriculum for Lakeshore Publishing.

She began teaching kindergarten full-time at Vista again in 1992. Five years ago her husband, Tim, joined her at Vista del Valle and they have been team teaching in Room One ever since.

Judi runs a model kindergarten program; it has something for everyone and helps all students learn as much as they can as fast as they can. Judi utilizes many volunteers and upper grade student buddies in her classroom.

Judi is a true professional who is always willing to work with and help others. She has a quiet, calm, logical manner that allows her to see alternative solutions to school dilemmas. She puts the needs of her students above all else. No one is happier for, or a better cheerleader for, the beginning reading progress of her students.

She is truly a valued and respected member of the Vista del Valle staff and an asset to the entire Claremont Unified School District.

Judi has been a RESULTS team leader, a member of the Claremont Unified School District special task force on Early Childhood Education, and is currently the Vista del Valle staff representative to the Healthy Start Collaborative. Judi also has had six poems published in various educational publications.

Judi lives with her husband, Tim, in La Verne. Their daughter, Dana, graduated from Pepperdine University and their son, Tim, just graduated from Westmont College. He is continuing the family tradition and also plans to be a teacher!