Union’s Aimee Mares
Union High School educator Aimee Mares traces her path to the classroom back to the adults who changed her life. After working in social work, she realized she wanted “a career where I could have a daily impact on young people,” so she went back to school for her master’s degree in education. She began teaching in 2013 in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, inspired by “the many great teachers and adults that poured into my life as a student.” “Great teachers changed the trajectory of my life, so I always felt like it was a good way to give back for all that had been given to me,” she said.
Mares now serves as special education coordinator at Union High School, a role she has held for the past two school years. Before moving into administration, she worked at Union’s Freshman Academy as a biology teacher and department head. In her current position, she supports a team of special education teachers and works closely with high school students receiving special education services. “I provided professional development for my team and the district, and I have the unique opportunity to help students during difficult moments during the day,” she said. “There is never a dull day – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Though she is no longer in a traditional classroom, Mares said the relationships with students remain at the heart of her work. She sees a consistent group of students every day and feels “really lucky to still be able to connect with them, hear about their lives, and encourage them in their journey.” Some of her favorite moments come when students she has known for years reach major milestones: being accepted to college, enrolling at Tulsa Tech or landing a first job. “Those moments of celebration make all the hard work totally worth it,” she said.
Mares said Union Public Schools is special because of its people. “Yes – we have beautiful facilities and plenty of opportunities, but what makes Union stand out is our students and staff,” she said. “I’m honored to work alongside many teachers who deeply care about their students and the work that they do.” She wants families to know that she is “in their corner” and hopes parents see her as “a resource and a support to help their student achieve their goals and succeed in high school life.”As seniors prepare to leave Union, Mares has a simple message. “I hope that they realize and are proud of all that they have accomplished,” she said. “As they move on, I hope they remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out – just keep showing up, working hard, and believing in themselves. The future is full of opportunities.”
