I teach Graphic Production Technologies, a CTE Career Pathway at Rancho Cucamonga High School. This successful program has been running since 1992. The 2018-19 school year marked my first year teaching and it was a triumphant year.
My interest in graphic art and printing began in high school as a sophomore here at Rancho Cucamonga High School. Yes, I am an alumni! As I reached my senior year I was doing freelance design, offset, and screen printing for local businesses during ROP and advanced elective classes. I returned to RCHS as an ROP Adult after graduating, for periods 0-1 while attending Chaffey College. The following year I opened my print shop in Upland, California, offering graphic design and screen printing services.
That small business sustained me while obtaining an Associates Degree in Visual Communication from Chaffey College, followed by a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Cal State Fullerton. I sold the business to focus on my career as a Graphic Designer, and eventually Creative Director at two design firms and a large church, all in So Cal. In 2018 I received a Masters of Education at the University of Redlands. I give thanks to my mentor, Dale Bailey, my high school Graphics teacher. It is with honor that I fill his shoes at RCHS.
I was fortunate for the exposure to CTE as a high school student because I have spent the first half of my career doing what I am passionate about; design and printing! Second, I love teaching the youtth about entrepreneurialism and realizing the talent and skills they possess, with the hope they will grow their skills into businesses and careers.
Relationships and legacy are the only thing we leave behind, therefore, I put a lot of time into my family, friends and students. I live in San Clemente, yes a small beach town and I commute to work. My husband partners with me in life, and I have two wonderful children, my son (24) and my daughter (16).
At RCHS I played tennis and softball. Picture top right: Freshman year, back row, 4th from the left. Picture bottom right: lefty with the mean forehand. I also loved other sports and competed in several snowboarding competitions during high school.
Every year at Rnacho the students get to nominate a teacher of choice from each department for Teacher of the Year. This year I was the nominiee for the CTE Department. It was a very special award I truly felt the love from all my students. The Rancho tradition is that all 10 nomiated teachers do a fun dance with select students and perform and the Renniasance Rally where the Teacher Of The Year is announced to all. I did not win, but to me the real honor is the students nominations. The dance was fun and nerve racking, but a truly memory and the students love seeing their teachers shake a leg.
Another traditinon that at Rancho is the "IMPACT". This is another type of student recognition that occurs every 1-2 months. ASB students gather student nominations and "IMPACT" a teacher who has made an impact on students. What actaully happens is a the entire ASB student body secretly gather and storm into your room as loud a they can possible be. The impact is credible and shocking for the teacher and the whole class that is in session. Below are two places where "Impacted" teachers were formally recognized.
2024-25 School Year class Yearbook. One of my students Caitlyn Duncan asked me if she could interview me. We talked about my history as a professional and as a teacher. She told me she really enjoyed my class as well.
Our school Journalism class publishes the most timeless newspaper in print and online. Atticus Ruis described why I impacted him. It's such a heart warming feeling to hear students share their perspective how my teaching or class impacted them.
Each year, the Chaffey Joint Union High School District takes time to recognize employees for various accolades and achievements. This year, I was honored to receive the Special Service Recognition Award—the highest distinction, presented to only one certificated staff member per school site. Being selected for this award is an incredible honor and a meaningful acknowledgment of my work. I am pictured here with our Superintendent, who introduced me and shared highlights of my contributions during the ceremony.
Special Service - Certificated
Lisset Arredondo – Rancho Cucamonga High School
Since joining Rancho Cucamonga High School in 2018, Lisset Arredondo has made a remarkable impact as the leader of the Graphics and Digital Media Arts program. Through a combination of expert instruction, industry experience, and a passion for student success, she has transformed the program into a high-performing, award-winning pathway that is recognized across the District and beyond.
Lisset’s students consistently produce professional-level work, designing promotional materials for school and community events – from flyers and posters to signage and digital content. Her ability to blend classroom learning with real-world application has resulted in exceptional student achievements. In Fall 2023, her Advanced Graphics students earned 1st and 2nd place, as well as an Honorable Mention, in the CTE Conference Program Cover Contest. Most recently, five of her students were named ROP Baldy View Award recipients for the 2024–2025 school year.
Drawing from her background as a former print shop owner, Lisset prepares students for success in both education and industry. Her ROP classes maintain high pass rates and growing enrollment, reflecting the relevance, quality, and appeal of her instruction. Beyond the classroom, she is known for her integrity, professionalism, and collaborative spirit. As noted in the Career Pathway Spotlight by Steve Lambert, her instruction goes far beyond design – it emphasizes personal expression, communication, and workplace readiness.
The administration at Rancho Cucamonga High School proudly recognizes Lisset Arredondo for her outstanding service. Her innovation, dedication, and excellence in career technical education make her a deeply valued educator and a most deserving recipient of the Certificated Special Service Recognition Award.