Hello! My name is Claudia Estela Chavez McKay.
I’m proud to be a first-generation American—my family immigrated to the United States from Mexico in pursuit of a better life, and I carry their hopes, dreams, and determination with me every day. I was raised in Los Angeles, where I grew up speaking Spanish at home and developed a deep love for my cultural heritage, along with a powerful belief in the life-changing impact of education.
Motivated by a passion for learning, I became the first in my family to graduate from college—an achievement that continues to inspire the way I teach and connect with students. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Spanish and an emphasis in Elementary Education from Point Loma Nazarene University, where I also completed my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, along with a BCLAD (Bilingual Crosscultural, Language, and Academic Development) authorization and a Supplementary Spanish Language Teaching Credential. I later earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with an emphasis in Multilingual Education, and went on to complete a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego.
Since 1994, I’ve had the incredible joy and privilege of teaching in the San Diego Unified School District. Over the years, I’ve taught many different grade levels across the city, but my heart truly belongs in 5th grade—especially here at Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School (EBS). EBS is a phenomenal place to teach and learn! I feel deeply honored to be part of such a vibrant, caring, and high-achieving school community. Our students are kind, curious, and creative; our families are wonderfully supportive; and our shared commitment to academic excellence and social-emotional growth makes EBS a very special place to be.
My greatest joy as a teacher is creating a classroom culture where students feel empowered to take ownership of their learning. I strive to make education an exciting, shared journey—one where curiosity is celebrated and discovery is driven by hands-on engagement and meaningful conversation. Through inclusive, student-centered teaching strategies, I aim to spark a lifelong love of learning. I'm also deeply committed to building a safe, equitable, and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and truly seen.
I’m especially passionate about helping students find and use their voice—both in speaking and in writing. I regularly incorporate projects and presentation opportunities that allow students to express themselves, build confidence, and grow as clear, purposeful communicators. I believe that finding one’s voice in writing is especially important because it empowers students to share their ideas, tell their stories, and advocate for themselves and others. Whether through writing, discussion, or creative work, I encourage all learners to recognize that their ideas matter and deserve to be shared.
By honoring each student's unique background, promoting multilingualism, and fostering cultural awareness while actively building cultural competency, I help my students develop empathy, global understanding, and meaningful connections with others. I also emphasize the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset—so that every student feels equipped and encouraged to tackle challenges and thrive both academically and personally.
In addition to classroom teaching, I’ve served in several resource teacher roles and bring extensive experience supporting multilingual learners and culturally diverse student populations. I’ve also specialized in reading instruction, and literacy continues to be one of my favorite parts of the day! Helping students fall in love with reading and develop their voice as writers is not just rewarding—it’s a true passion of mine.
Outside of the classroom, I’m happily married to my wonderful husband. We have two amazing children—a daughter and a son—both currently attending Cathedral Catholic High School. As a family, we love cooking, discovering new restaurants, enjoying the beach, surfing, scuba diving, camping, hiking, and practicing yoga. I also love to dance—it’s a joyful way for me to express myself and stay energized. And when I get a quiet moment to myself, you’ll almost always find me with a good book—I absolutely love to read!
Kind regards,
Claudia Estela Chavez McKay, Ph.D.
[email protected]
