11/05/2021
Teacher Spotlight Fridays are back to recognize those amazing teachers out in our community! Today's Teacher Spotlight is on Mrs. Mendoza. Special ED teacher at Central Elementary! Thank you for your continued service! Take it away!
My name is Kristi Mendoza and I am a special education teacher in the resource room at Central Elementary. This is my 4th year teaching in the beautiful town of La Grande. My husband and I have 4 children: Ellie (24), Sophie (22), Cristian (19) and Ava (11).
I have been teaching special education for the past 20 years. I graduated with a degree in elementary education from Eastern Oregon University, but soon found a passion for working with students with special needs as an early childhood special education teacher where I worked in Ontario, Oregon for 7 years. In 2005 My husband and I moved our family to the Tri-Cities to be closer to his side of the family. I began working in the resource room as a special education teacher for Pasco School District where I worked for 13 years before moving to La Grande. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my kids participate in sports, reading and walking our dog Finn.
I feel so incredibly fortunate to have a career where I’m doing something I love, and to work in a community where I have the opportunity to work alongside amazing teachers and support staff!