2001

Virginia “Ginger” Ellsworth

Classroom Teacher

Sumner Elementary School

Hire Date

10/04/90

Years of Service

10

Degrees

M.A., Landscape Architecture, Social Science

Standard Life Elementary Credential

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

Virginia “Ginger” joined Claremont Unified School District on October 4, 1990, returning to teaching at Sumner Elementary School.

During her ten years at Sumner, her focus of transitioning her students in a meaningful and successful way and developing the District Science Curriculum have been of utmost importance to her.

She has served as Student Council Advisor, Instructional Activity Coordinator, Team Chairperson II, CSIN Leader and Mentor Teacher. “I have enjoyed this year as a Mentor Teacher. It has given me not only a chance to share my talents with others, but also to learn from other teachers,” writes Ginger. Her insight and suggestions during the Sumner-Danbury Planning phase led to a much improved architectural design and layout.

"Ginger is a highly respected staff member whose enthusiasm and positive attitude is much appreciated and valued by her colleagues. She has a 'we can do it' approach to change…she is consistently creative in developing this curriculum," writes Maribeth Jacobs.

“She is an all around incredible person; a true friend and a great teacher,” says one time team teacher, Debbie Geiger.

Virginia was born in Oakland, California, attended University of CA, Berkeley; CA State University, Hayward; and Cal Poly, Pomona.

Ginger began her teaching career on December 11, 1970 at Mountain View Elementary School in the Mt. Diablo School District located in Contra Costa County.

She continued working there for five years before getting married in August 1974.

Ginger and her husband, Dick, have three grown children, and live in Claremont. She has traveled most recently to France and Hawaii and has a magic touch with orchids.

Above all, Ginger has the most positive upbeat enthusiastic love for life…children…for friends. Students often return to visit, long after they leave.

Ginger once attended a workshop titled “Embracing Change, Accepting the Challenge.” Her life as well as her teaching career demonstrates this philosophy.