Jonathan Basurto
Vice Principal & Coach
Carmen Gallegos
Midvale K-1
I went to HS in Montebelle, CA and Rio Hondo College in Whittier, CA. I decided to become a teacher because I would like to make a difference in a child’s life. I have traveled to Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. I love to travel. I have worked as a TI for 15 years and worked in daycare for about 10 years. I have a AS in child development. I moved to Tucson in 1997 and have worked for TUSD in special education with children with Autisum for 14 years. “All Children can learn.”
Ana Lilia Chavez
Midvale 2-3
I went to school to become a teacher in Mexico. I taught for several years in Mexico in secondary and preparatory schools. I immigrated into the U.S., had the opportunity to continue teaching and to go back to school. I attended Northern Arizona University (NAU) to obtain my Masters Degree, graduating in 2006 with my masters in Education. Several members of my family are teachers. I always had the desire to become a teacher. It has been in my heart. I have visited several places in Mexico, also in the U.S. I have great memories of the state of California as well as the states of North and South Carolina. I come from a big family. We were 8 children plus my mother and my father. We all lived in Mexico until we immigrated to the USA in the year of 1987. My father was a very hard worker, my mother worked in the house and took care of us. I would like to be remembered as a devoted teacher who always cared for her students, and taught them to believe in themselves, guiding them with love to be responsible and successful citizens.
Tracy Laos
Midvale 4-5
I grew up in Omaha, NE and moved to Arizona after high school to attend and graduate from ASU with a BFA. I am married and have 4 children, 3 sons and a daughter. We enjoy getting away from the Arizona heat by visiting the beach and camping in the mountains. I became an educator because I enjoy watching and assisting students gain knowledge and confidence in their abilities. I believe everyone has gifts and talents and it’s a privilege to be able to witness the students realize this themselves.
“Educators should walk the walk and never stop learning themselves!”
Caleb Anderson
Midvale 7th, English & Social Studies 6-7
Monterris Goshay
Midvale 8-10 Math, 8th Science
I grew up in “Sweet home Alabama” enjoying Alabama football (roll tide) riding horses, fishing, and eating some of the best food with some of the greatest people! After graduating high school I followed my heart and moved to Tucson and attended the University of Arizona. I have enjoyed working with kids in many capacities. I have realized the greater need to encourage and pour into youth especially those who are growing up in a single parent household like I did. I am married to Rolnisha the most beautiful woman in the world and we have one daughter. We often enjoy watching movies, sports, and listening to all kinds of music. Aside from teaching I am a basketball coach (Sunnyside girls), and a basketball and football official. We often help and serve at the Boys and girls club, YMCA, and our Church (Greater Faith Word Church International). My wife and I both came to TIA because of our passion for impacting youth. “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
― Frederick Douglass
Patrick Maher
Midvale 8-12 History, 9th Econ/Civics
Brian Hanner
Midvale 11-12 Math, 9-12 Science
I went to high school in Georgetown, Texas just north of Austin. I studied music and have degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University and the University of North Texas. I was a teacher in Texas for almost 15 years. In 2009 I moved to Tucson to study yoga and meditation. I also teach yoga around Tucson. I love to teach, because the gift of education is the most precious gift I can give.
Cheryl Blackmore
Midvale k-12 (SPED/T.A.)
I went into Special Education because of my little sister Angie. She was born with Down Syndrome and required a lot of attention. It was difficult to see how people treated her. Most of the time she would get ignored and wouldn’t get extra help. At the time people didn’t know how. I soon became her advocate and would try to teach others more about her Special Needs. EVen though I was a child myself, I knew that when I became an adult, I wanted to help other children with Special Needs and be able to advocate for them when they can’t.
“ You can do whatever you set your mind to do!”
Anthony Harden
Midvale Title 1 Math Elementary
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Arizona and Masters in Educational Leadership from Western New Mexico University. A shortage of substitutes in my daughters school district twenty-plus years ago led to me becoming a teacher. Prior, I worked in broadcasting journalism and in advertising/public relations and in the nonprofit sector as well. I’ve been married to my lovely wife doe more than 30 years. We have one adult daughter and we are new grandparents.
“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside a dog, its too dark to read.” Groucho Marx
Sandra Gallegos
Midvale K-1 – T.A.
I went to Montebello High school, Montebello CA. I am not a teacher or did not go to college to become a teacher. All I do is enjoy working with the students and helping my teachers get ready for their teaching for the day. I have gone to Cancun, Costa Rica, Washington DC, New York, Chicago. I have 4 children, 2 boys, 2 girls. I am a grandma of 7 boys and one girl. I have lived in California all my life. But I had an opportunity to take a job at TIA and moved here 3 weeks ago hoping that I can make a difference here at the school.
My favorite quote is, “ I can do all things through HIM who gives me strength.”
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