Hello Taft Elementary and parents! I am so excited to be part of Taft Elementary this year. My name is Kathleen Ruggles, and I am a 6th grade teacher here at Taft Elementary. I have taught in upper grade for five years, and I am thrilled to be teaching 6th grade again.

In 2013, I graduated from CSU Chico with a major in Liberal Studies and a minor in Child Development. There, I developed my passion for teaching and learned the rewards of teaching. With many opportunities to deliver teacher-created common core lessons and work in an elementary setting, I knew I had found my calling. Shortly after graduating from CSU Chico, I moved home to Southern California to gain a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. I graduated from the Multiple Subject Credential Program at CSU Long Beach on May 17th, 2016.

I was born and raised here in Orange County. I attended Capistrano Valley High School. In 2018, I married my wonderful husband Greg, and on September 21st 2021, we welcomed our baby girl into the world, Kennedy Ruggles. While I am not teaching, you will find me at the beach, snowboarding, or spending time with my family. 

I am looking forward to a great year!