About Ms. Pantoja

 

Hello!  My name is Kimberly Pantoja (Pan-Toe-Ha).  I started teaching in public school in 2018.  I have taught math at both the middle school and high school levels.  I am currently the Math Department Chair at Leigh.  Before teaching, I had a career in business management, which helps me bring a lot of experience to the classroom.  I changed careers because, while I was successful in the business world, it did not bring me the joy I get from teaching.

 

I studied at San Jose State University.  I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Adolescent Development and a Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum Development.  I chose to study Child and Adolescent Development as my undergrad degree because it aligns with my teaching philosophy of meeting the whole child where they are at developmentally to reach their full potential in my classes.  I pursued a credential to teach math because it is the most fun subject for me!

 

Outside of the classroom, I spend most of my time volunteering with Scouts BSA.  I am active within our troop as an adult leader, I volunteer on our district advancement committee, I am the Camp Director for several weekend camps at Camp Chesebrough and Camp Hi-Sierra, and I also love to spend time working at summer camp.  I am the proud mom of 3 Eagle Scouts, with hopefully number 4 earning Eagle soon.

 

In addition to 4 boys, we also have 2 daughters in our family.  The youngest girl is off to college this year, leaving just one more kid to make it through high school.  I have enjoyed starting my teaching career while I had kids in middle school and now high school - it has given me a great perspective on being a family-friendly teacher.  My kids have also been able to tell me when my ideas for the classroom are too "cringe" and have saved me!

 

Teaching and working with youth brings me great joy and I am so incredibly happy to be part of the Leigh community.