This month, South El Monte High School is proud to recognize Ms. Kristina Puckett as Teacher of the Month. Coach Puckett is known by many students as a hardworking PE teacher and a dedicated volleyball coach. Her positive energy and support for students make her stand out on campus.

Coach Puckett has been working at SEMHS for 16 years. She says the best part of her job is “definitely my students and coworkers.” She has made a big impact on many students over the years and continues to be someone that others look up to.

When she’s not at school, Coach Puckett enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. “A lot of our time is watching our daughter at dance and gymnastics practice,” she shared. She also likes being outdoors and going to family events. “I come from a very large extended family. We spend a lot of time together and there always seems to be some family function on the weekends.”

Coach Puckett has made strong friendships with her coworkers too. “Over the years, Mrs. Ayala and I have become close. She is not only my coworker and mentor, but I can also call her my friend.”

She attended Alta Loma High School and was a student athlete herself. At first, she planned to join the military and go into law enforcement. But when she received a scholarship to play volleyball, she started coaching and discovered her passion for working with students. “Once I started coaching high school volleyball, I realized how much I enjoyed working with high school students,” she said. That led her to become a PE teacher and continue sharing her love of sports.

Coach Puckett’s favorite food is street tacos, and her favorite color is pink. She enjoys watching action and true crime movies and shows. She also has a saying she tells her students and athletes often: “Finish strong.” It’s a simple message that shows how she wants everyone to give their best effort until the very end.

South El Monte is lucky to have such a dedicated and inspiring teacher like Coach Puckett. Whether she’s leading a volleyball game, running PE class, or giving advice to her students, she brings her heart into everything she does. Congratulations to Ms. Puckett for being our Teacher of the Month!