Justin Moodie

San Dieguito Union High School District Trustee, Area 5

Why I’m Running

I believe every student deserves an excellent public education. I grew up in Carmel Valley, graduated from our SDUHSD schools, and spent twenty years in the classroom. Now I want to bring that experience to the Board.

I am the only candidate in this race who has stood in front of students every day for two decades. I know what actually helps young people learn and understand when something has been said just to sound good in a board meeting. On the Board I will place students first with every vote: strengthening academics, backing our teachers, and keeping our schools focused on learning.

I will listen to every parent, teacher, and student, and I will always decide with our kids' future in mind.

Academic Rigor, Student Success

Our commitment to excellence in SDUHSD requires leadership grounded in proven public-education classroom success. As a National Board Certified teacher and award-winning Nat Geo Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, I bring two decades of educator experience to the goal of supporting  every student across the finish line without sacrificing academic rigor. Beyond celebrating our high graduation rates and college admission achievements, my priority is to ensure our schools receive the necessary resources for every student on campus to feel connected with at least one adult who will help them trust their instincts, build confidence in their contributions to society, and achieve personal success.

Students First

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20 Years Proven

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Students First * 20 Years Proven *

Elevating Career Technical Education

Our students deserve the most engaging learning opportunities that we can offer. As an educator, I know that maintaining high standards is not about overburdening students. It’s about providing direct support in the classroom and real world application. Continuing to fund and expand our top-rated Career Technical Education programs in cutting-edge fields like engineering, biotechnology, and sports medicine directly supports academic achievement. Research is clear that CTE students have higher rates of attendance and are more successful across all core subjects. By expanding these programs, we ensure that every student graduates with a strong academic transcript, marketable technical skills, industry experience, and a clear path towards a rewarding profession.

Supporting Every Student’s Journey

Every student’s safety and wellbeing is paramount. Intentional and nurturing school communities can go a long way toward supporting the social and emotional health of each and every individual within our district. I commit to strengthening campus and online safety, increasing investment in our extraordinary counseling departments, and fostering respectful, inclusive school cultures where staff and teachers can create a sense of belonging for everyone. Love and care for ALL students will be at the forefront of every single conversation and policy decision I engage in as your Trustee.

Distinguished Teacher

  • 20 years of classroom teaching experience in San Diego, the Bay Area, & Ciudad de México

  • Currently teaching CTE Photography at Oceanside High School

  • Previously taught at Canyon Crest Academy & Carmel Valley Middle School

  • 13 years of National Board Teacher Certification

  • 10 educator credentials (7 Single Subjects + CTE + Multiple Subjects + Administrative Services)

  • M.A. Educational Leadership UC Berkeley, M.Ed. Education UC Santa Barbara

  • National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, 2020

  • Rewrote Visual & Performing Arts Standards with the CA Department of Education, 2019

  • Students currently have artworks on display in the Michelin Guide, the U.S. Capitol Building, and the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C.

  • Certified CA Naturalist, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2025

  • Southern California’s 2025 Outstanding Secondary Visual Art Educator, CAEA

Community Parent

When not teaching, Justin can be found riding his bicycle, playing ice hockey, or making ice cream with his family. His 8-year-old son is currently attending school in the Del Mar Union School District and already excited to be in the SDUHSD pipeline.

SDUHSD Graduate

Before earning degrees at UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley, Justin Graduated from Torrey Pines High School after attending Earl Warren Jr. High School, Carmel Del Mar Elementary, Del Mar Heights Elementary, and La Costa Heights Elementary.

“Mr. Moodie goes above and beyond to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the chance to participate in and benefit from enriching educational activities that extend beyond traditional classroom settings.”

— Dr. Skyler Garrahy, Principal of Oceanside High School

Contact

Feel free to contact me with any questions.