2005

Olivia Simpson

Classroom Teacher

Oakmont Elementary School

Hire Date

1978

Years of Service

30

Degrees

B.A, CA State University, Fresno

M.A., Claremont Graduate University

Ph.D., Claremont Graduate 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

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.

It has been stated that this teacher continues to develop as a professional in a leadership capacity by continuing the role as school and community cheerleader, seeking outside resources to benefit the students.

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.”

This colleague began at Claremont Unified School District as a substitute teacher in 1978. In 1984 this person was hired as a teacher at Sycamore Elementary School and subsequently moved on to Oakmont Elementary School. This person has also taught at the Adult School and been a Mentor Teacher; Chairperson of the School’s Guidance Team and has been involved in District staff development.

Our Teacher of the Year attended Fresno State where she received her Bachelor’s of Art degree in English in 1978. She completed the Master's of Arts degree program at Claremont Graduate University in 1984. She has been involved with the city as a city commissioner, with an interest in traffic solutions. Her students have been winners of the 1999 Youth Garden Grant from the National Gardening Association. She was selected by the Claremont Courier for an article, Women at Work and was honored as a recipient of the YWCA Women of the Year award for 2004. Most important to her, though, is that she shares with her students the angels she finds in the beauty and depth she sees in the clouds.

It’s with great pleasure I present to you, the Board of Education, Dr. Smith and the staff and community, the 2005 Claremont Unified School District Teacher of the Year—Olivia Simpson Ellis.