Welcoming New Teachers to Queen Creek Unified School District

Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) welcomed over 100 new certified teachers during new teacher orientation for the 2024–2025 school year. The orientation event was designed to help new educators familiarize themselves with the district's policies, resources, and community. 

Among the new arrivals were Heather Andrews and Mark Newell, teachers new to the district.

Newell, who has 29 years of teaching experience from Michigan, decided to join QCUSD to experience teaching in a different environment and bring his expertise to another community. He was drawn to QCUSD because of the district’s values in creating a supportive and collaborative culture for teachers."Queen Creek is a growing district on the rise, and I wanted to be part of it” Newell said.

"I can't wait to build new relationships," Newell stated. "Meeting new people and getting involved in the school and community is what I'm most excited about." He emphasized how building strong relationships with students, their families, and the community brings the most success. "The first thing you do is build a relationship," Newell stated. "If you do that, you'll see the students buying into their future, and that's the key." Newell will be teaching 9th and 10th grade English at Eastmark High School and is also looking forward to coaching golf.

New teacher orientation also featured teachers like Heather Andrews, a recent master’s graduate from Arizona State University. Andrews will be teaching 1st grade and Gateway Polytechnic Academy and is "incredibly grateful for the opportunity to jump right into teaching."  Andrews is excited to bring in a growth mindset to her classroom and students.

"I hope my students gain confidence and are ready for their next steps," she said. "They're going to learn kindness, respect, and integrity, which they'll use inside and outside the classroom."

New teacher orientation brought in seasoned and new teachers that are all eager to make a positive impact on their students and the community. As QCUSD continues to grow, the district continues to provide an environment for both students and teachers to excel. QCUSD is excited for the new school year and all that our incredible teachers and staff have to offer.