EDUCATION
A+ CHARTER SCHOOLS
TUITION-FREE PUBLIC CHARTER
Who inspired the teachers inspiring Maricopa’s students? From a counselor who made a student feel seen to the teacher who made history come alive, Maricopa’s educators reflect on those who shaped their paths. BY MONICA D. SPENCER
“ MARICOPA’S ORIGINAL PROJECT-BASED LEARNING SCHOOL”
Before every teacher stood at the front of a classroom, they sat at a desk as a student, listened to lessons and learned from the people guiding them. For some, a single educator made all the difference. For others, a lifetime of encouragement pointed them toward the classroom. For Maricopa’s teachers, inspiration came in different forms: a counselor who made a student feel seen, a teacher who made history exciting or an educator who helped a struggling reader discover her strengths. Some knew they wanted to teach from childhood, while others found their way to the profession unexpectedly. Now, they’re the ones helping students build confidence, discover new interests and find their place in the world. Here’s a look at who inspired them.
MONDAY - THURSDAY
Joseph Acosta LEADING EDGE ACADEMY 1st grade Teacher since: 2026
Isabel Alexander LEADING EDGE ACADEMY
6TH - 12 GRADE TH
6th grade history Teacher since: 2026
ROBOTICS, STEM, & CAVIT
PROJECT BASED LEARNING (PBL)
What do you enjoy about teaching? I just love their little personalities. At the beginning of the year, they’re copying what they see their parents do. But, as the year progresses, you see them come out of their shell and grow into their own person. Who inspired you to become a teacher? My high school counselor, Mr. Gross. He really pushed me. I was super quiet in high school, but he would always go out of his way to talk to me and make me feel seen. I grew up with just my mom, so having a good male role model and someone to look up to made a huge impact on me. I want to replicate that in my own teaching.
What do you enjoy about teaching? I absolutely love the kids and the way they interact with history. I found sixth graders really like the “lore” of history, and they say, “There’s so much tea!” It’s fun for them; it’s fun for me and that’s really what I want. If it’s not fun, they don’t want to be here. Who inspired you to become a teacher? My seventh and eighth grade history teacher Miss Gatzke because she was the reason I wanted to go to school. I didn’t really like school growing up, but she made school fun and relevant. She brought a lot of energy and passion to history. Now, I want to be my students’ Miss Gatzke. I want to be the reason they enjoy class and make school as fun for them as she made it for me.
CROSS COUNTRY 2025 STATE CHAMPS
VARSITY SOCCER
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL
NOAH CHARVES, STATE CHAMP
Interviews were lightly edited for brevity and clarity.
Info@AplusAZ.org
41735 W Alan Stephens Pkwy
520-265-5589
InMaricopa.com | November 2026
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November 2026 | InMaricopa.com
35
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