Born and raised in Baldwin Park, Katherine Montoya’s journey from a young girl to a devoted educator reflects her deep roots and commitment to the community. Montoya grew up in Baldwin Park’s Lantee Street neighborhood, attending Pleasant View Elementary for kindergarten before moving and attending Vineland Elementary and continuing her education at Jones Middle School and Baldwin Park High School. Inspired by teachers like Ms. Ketchup at Jones Middle, who motivated students with mini chocolates, Montoya decided to pursue a career in education after having her own children.
“Seeing kids thrive is my favorite part of the job,” Montoya said. “They may struggle a bit, and then—they get it. Some of my ELD students even come back after high school to thank me.”
Montoya began her career as a part-time aide at De Anza Elementary in 1988, balancing work with raising her family. Today, she works at Olive Middle School and Walnut Elementary School in multiple roles, including bilingual aide and noon supervisor, where she supports both English Learner Development (ELD) students and others.
Her day starts with welcoming transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students at the gate and includes a walk across the street to Olive Middle School, where she works with students from sixth through eighth grade.
Montoya’s approach to education centers on empathy and relationship building. She recalls a moment when she helped a student struggling with loneliness after a friend moved away. “We acknowledged her feelings and came up with a plan to get her back on track,” Montoya said. “Now more than ever, connections and community on campus are so important.”
Montoya leverages technology to connect with students, using Chromebooks and iPads to help bridge language barriers for English Learners, including those who speak languages other than Spanish.
Colleagues praise Montoya’s dedication and impact on students. “She’s very supportive and pushes the kids,” Olive Middle School history teacher Ms. Frausto said. “She doesn’t accept less than what they’re capable of, and I appreciate that.”
Montoya’s commitment to Baldwin Park extends beyond the classroom. She volunteers at District events like the College and Career Fair and Santa’s Clothes, a tradition she has supported for years.
Though she now lives in Covina, Montoya’s ties to Baldwin Park remain strong. Her mother worked as a strawberry farm laborer in the area, and all three of her children attended Baldwin Park schools, with two graduating from Sierra Vista High School.
Montoya’s career has spanned decades of change within the District, but her passion for helping students succeed remains constant. From guiding students through math lessons to preparing them for quizzes, she continues to leave a lasting impact on the Baldwin Park community.
“I’ll be here for as long as I can be,” Montoya said. “Whatever our schools need, I go.”