Rita Kandel is in her 8th year teaching at Journey School. Prior to teaching in the
classroom, she was an Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher. Mrs. Kandel
weaves her knowledge of movement and games into daily academic teachings keeping the
day fresh, fun, and impactful. She enjoys the challenge of uncovering students’ individual
uniqueness which allows her to best meet each student’s needs. Mrs. Kandel earned her
Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Management from Loras College in Iowa, and Multi
Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State Teach Fresno.
In her free time, Mrs. Kandel enjoys horseback riding, rock climbing, stand up paddle
boarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. She became an Ironman in 2014, was on the USA
International Dragon Boat Championship Team in Hamburg, Germany, and was a Silver
Medalist in the Reebok National Aerobic Championship. Mrs. Kandel also enjoys
photography, woodworking, camping, and reading non-fiction.
Mrs. Kandel has been married to her husband Doug for 28 years, they have three children,
and one grandson. Mrs. Kandel has great satisfaction and a sense of purpose about what
she does! She loves teaching and planting seeds for the joy of learning, and good relational
skills in the students.
