Exercise Happy

Individualize Learning Matters at San Tan Charter School

One way that San Tan Charter School embraces individualized learning is by supporting and believing in the benefits physical exercise can have on a students academic day.

There are numerous initiatives and research studies which support and encourage physical activity throughout the school day.

Along with high expectations for academics, we balance physical activity and creative outlets as vital components to enhancing classroom success. This drives us to offer daily PE, and a weekly rotation of music, art, and library.

We are dedicated to providing:

A safe nurturing learning environment for your child
An individualized and interactive educational experience
Proactive and positive attention to individual needs
An environment where parent support is encouraged
Daily social, emotional, and physical development

Physical Education

San Tan Charter School utilizes the Dynamic Physical Education program developed by Robert Pangrazzi from Arizona State. It is one of the most utilized curriculums in schools today. This program was selected to provide a comprehensive curriculum, which emphasizes fitness and healthy lifestyles.

This class incorporates some of the many ways to stay active and healthy.

Team sports such as baseball, football, soccer, volleyball, badminton, and more are incorporated. Strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular improvement are also emphasized. Quarterly Fitness Assessments are administered to show the yearly progress.

Students learn to trust their own initiative and abilities, take responsibility for their work, and become self-motivated learners. By gaining respect for themselves, others, and the environment, children develop the desire and ability to continue learning throughout their lives.

Athletic Clubs and Team Sports

San Tan Charter School provides opportunities within Athletic Clubs and Team Sports. Our San Tan Roadrunner teams are recognized as State Champions across numerous Division 1, Division 2, and Open Division sports.

Students interested in sharing their athletic skills with our San Tan Charter School community are invited to check out our Team Sports and Athletic Clubs.

My “Why” Story

Megan Hubbard
Montessori Adolescent Teacher
As a child, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. When I started teaching preschool at the age of 20, I knew that working with kids was my calling. After ten years of teaching in outdoor classroom schools, I decided to go back to school and pursue higher degrees in order to further my career and be able to incorporate my love of nature with the growing need for technology in the classroom. I fell into the world of Montessori when I realized that I wanted a more holistic approach to education for my own children- I am so excited to be able to follow my passion and continue to grow and learn alongside my students every day.

Danielle Talley
5th Grade ELA & SS Teacher
This is my first-year teaching at STCS and I am so excited to work at a school and in an environment where I feel supported. I love the family dynamic that San Tan has here and appreciate all they do for their staff and students.
I am originally from California but have lived in Arizona since 2010. I attended Arizona State University, where I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I have previously taught 2nd and 3rd grade, so this will be my first-year teaching 5th grade ELA and Social Studies and I am so excited. I am highly qualified in ELA and have a huge passion for Social Studies.

Kyli Crooms
Science Teacher/Head Boys Basketball Coach
I chose to be a teacher because it came natural to me. I have been an athlete my entire life playing basketball from grade school all the way through college. Growing up I got to see how important it was to have great coaches on and off the court if you wanted to continue to move to the next level. As I transitioned from high school to the college ranks I was pushed the hardest off the court by my teachers. I did not realize the impact they had on me until I graduated from college and realized half of the scholarship money I obtained was academic. From that point on I realized that I wanted to teach the next generation of students rather it was on the court or in the classroom.
2018-19 was my first year being a head teacher at San Tan Charter School. I’ve learned a lot from my colleagues over the past two years at them elementary and I am looking forward to teaching the 2020/21 school year at the high school Power campus.

Kim Aguilar
Montessori Teacher (Kinder)
Teaching became my passion when I volunteered in my daughter’s Montessori classroom, I decided I wanted to become a Montessori teacher when I witnessed firsthand the academic, social, and emotional growth of my daughter and her peers. I started training in a toddler classroom in a Montessori school in 1999, I knew this is what I wanted to do and took my Primary Montessori training, and completed at the National Center for Montessori Education in Los Alamos, NM in 2006. Being able to create an environment for students to be true explorers of life, academics, social and emotional development.

Lisa Cordova
ESS Teacher (Recker)
I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I would set up my living room as a
classroom and play for school for hours and hours. My mother was wonderful enough to let me leave
my classroom set up for days. I adore children and could not think of a better way of working with
children than to teach. To be a teacher means to touch lives. As a teacher, you have the ability to
educate and mold children into capable and intelligent members of society. As a teacher, I am able to
provide students with the essential building blocks they need to begin their lives. To me, there is no
more rewarding career than that.
I have always loved children. I also strongly care about those who less fortunate than I am and those
who struggle with daily hardships. Because of this, it seems only logically that I would want to teach
students with disabilities. In today’s society, those who are mentally or physically different are frowned
upon and deemed inferior. However, students with disabilities are not something to be ashamed of or
taken lightly. Students with disabilities should not have to face this hardship alone. Disabilities can
easily be overcome with the proper love, care and instruction that only a special education teacher
can provide. By becoming a special education teacher, I will have the humbling opportunity to teach
these students to the best of my ability. I will give them the support, patience and care they deserve.
By encouraging these students and believing in them, I will give them the chance to believe in
themselves. I will encourage them the face their disabilities and hardships they will face and tackle
them head on.
My mother was a special education teacher for many years. She is a great influence and a large
reason why I also want to teach students with disabilities. My mother would come home from a long
day at school, sit on her bed, make lesson plans, create worksheets and even design new techniques
for her students. This is an expectation for any teacher, but the amount of work, dedication and love
she put into her career was extremely inspiring for me to witness. Her loving, caring and sincere
personality captured the hearts and minds of her students. My mom fell in love with each of her
students and figured out a way to teach each one in their own way. Not only did she love her job, but
her students loved her. To this day, she is still in contact with several of her students and their
families.
The most rewarding career in the world is to be an educator. But to be a special education teacher is
even more rewarding. Every student has a right to an education and has a right to thrive in their
educational career. Every student has the potential to make their dreams come true. No disability
should ever prohibit a student from the very best education possible. I would like to be a special
education teacher because I want to make a difference. I want every student to feel that they are
worth they are with it and that somebody will always believe in them be his or her number one fan!

Holly Witte
Gifted 1st and 2nd Grade Teacher
My goal as a teacher is to teach the whole child. I get to know each student so that I can meet his/her academic, social and emotional needs. I build a relationship with each of my students that is based on mutual respect and trust. I love to encourage the students to love to learn.

Britnie Thrift
Preschool Administrative Assistant
Having a strong passion for children I knew I wanted a career working with them. I went to Cal State University and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Development. After I graduated I got a teaching position in Newport Beach at a Montessori school. I worked there for three years until I was expecting my first child. After taking time off and raising my family I found San Tan Montessori, where I am now working the Front Office. I still enjoy the everyday interactions with the children as they come and leave for the day and all the hugs and interactions in between.

Stefany Camba
1st Grade Teacher
I am thrilled to be teaching 1st grade for another year here at San Tan Charter. I love the family like feeling at San Tan Charter School and love how each individual child is important.
I am a teacher because I have a passion for learning.
I am a teacher because I want to grow lifelong learners.
I am a teacher because I love to laugh and kids are hilarious when free to be themselves.
I am a teacher because I have many talents and teaching allows me to use them all.
I am a teacher because I want every child to have a positive school experience.
I am a teacher because I had great teachers who inspired me.
I am a teacher because I know that a true understanding of life isn’t measured on a test, but in the way we treat others.
I am a teacher because watching a child’s growth from August to May is unlike anything any other profession can offer.
I am a teacher because although it’s far from the perfect job, it’s the perfect job for me.

Kevin Hadley
Science Teacher
When I was a sophomore in college, I ran teaching workshops for Calculus as a side job. I have always like helping students learn. I had this one student who failed the prior semester. Not only did I see tremendous growth by her, but I actually saw her enjoying the learning process. She made note of how I actually made things make sense and she was so grateful. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be an educator versus just an engineer. I spoke to my advisor the next week to figure out what I had to do to teach.
While I earned my PhD, I took any education workshop or training session I could. I was the first participant in the future faculty preparation program to publish an educational research study in a national peer-reviewed journal. When I transferred to NASA, I took part in as many education outreach activities I could.
I finally got to achieve my goal to become an educator at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Teaching college engineering there and at Arizona State University did not feel right. As such, I left academia. I tried some other opportunities, but then I saw an application to become a substitute at STCS. I have always loved teaching, I just was not happy with the politics of university life. I saw this as a nudge to re-enter education, but to target students before they are part of the politics of university academics. I still love teaching and I am glad I get to bring that love to kids who love learning.

Shannon Yocklin
Gifted 4th Grade Teacher
Raised by a teacher and coming from a family of people involved in community involvement and service, teaching was a natural progression for me. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 2006 and started teaching in elementary positions.
This will be my 12th year teaching and my third at San Tan. I really love teaching upper elementary and refining skills and seeing the lightbulb moments when students are able to connect all of their previous learning.

Tony Fiori
Corporate Board Member
I have been a part of the STCS community since it was created and share in the community’s passion for the students. With a background and foundation of Montessori it enables the kiddos an opportunity to learn and grow at their individual pace along with the encouragement of others. I am passionate about smart communications that succeed, and I am inspired by organizations doing great work. Put them together and you have made my day. You’ve made my life, actually.

Chloe Ruggieri
Front Desk Assistant (Recker Campus)
Working at San Tan Charter School has really opened my eyes on how to be a good parent. Following the Love & Logic way has changed how I spend time with my kids, and it has made us all so much closer. I would not have had the confidence to follow this parenting way if I did not get a job here at San Tan.
I was born in California but then moved to Georgia very young, and I lived there most of my life. Growing up, I always felt a calling back to the west coast and as soon as I had the chance, I took it when I moved to Arizona. I have never worked in a school before, but my mom is a STEM teacher in Georgia and I was raised to always have a high respect for teachers and administrative staff. I was a mobile dog groomer, grooming Dr. & Mrs. Sippels little dog, Gus, when I met them. My grooming journey came to an end, but Mrs. Sippel believed I could do more and be more and she thought I would be a good fit at her school. Not only was she correct, she really changed my family’s life with this amazing opportunity. San Tan is not just a school, it’s a community, and I am so honored to be apart of it.

Gini (Virginia) Sterling
6th Grade English and Social Studies Teacher
I come from a family of teachers – I knew I’d be a teacher when I was in kindergarten. I used to sit on my kitchen counter and “teach” the square tiles which I pretended were desks. My little brother was a model student!
I grew up in Cave Creek and attended Arizona State University, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in French. Later, I received my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with my Reading Endorsement from Northern Arizona University.
This is my 15^th year in education. I started teaching in downtown Phoenix, 3^rd grade and then many years teaching 1^st grade. I spent a year and a half as a TOSA, supporting all K-5 teachers and staff, and then taught 7^th grade English. I was a teacher mentor for 7 years and enjoyed advising high school yearbook as well as National Junior Honor Society.
This will be my 6^th year at San Tan – go Roadrunners!

Kristofer Sippel Jr.
District Athletic and Facilities Director
It’s awesome to work at a place where there is a family atmosphere, it makes it easier to show up to work every day with a smile on your face! I was born and raised here in Arizona; I grew up in Gilbert until I took an academic/athletic scholarship to play football at Webber International University in Florida. I have been around San Tan Charter School my whole life and have always worked to make the campus better. I started in Facilities and have worked my way up to the Athletic Director position. Giving back to the kids make life/work easier, at the end of the day I want to see kids graduate and go to the next level whether that be academically or athletically.

Michelle Tischer
Academic Achievement Coordinator
While I was born a Nebraskan Corn Husker, I was raised in the beautiful Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale and Tempe. I matriculated through the Arizona State public school system, which includes the Kyrene School District and Corona Del Sol High School. I continued to the University of Phoenix for my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and continued to Arizona State University for my Masters in Gifted Education. I have been teaching for 21 years now, 21 years as a professor at Rio Salado College, eight years with gifted self-contained classes, and 7 years here at San Tan with our amazingly creative gifted students.

Amber Kovach
English Teacher
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. Sounds cliché, but it is true. My mom worked in an elementary school for my entire childhood and adolescence, so I often spent free time in the empty halls after school. I would peek in on some of my favorite teachers to see if they needed any help or to just ooh and ahh over their classrooms. At home I would often gather up several stuffed animals to “teach” a lesson to. They weren’t the liveliest crowd!
Two Bachelor Degrees and a Master’s Degree in English later, I finally realized what I wanted to be when I grew up. Teaching incoming freshman at Boise State was an amazing experience and I met some wonderful students, some I am still in touch with. There was only one problem; each student came in with a sad story about their High School English classes and how unprepared they were for college English and the world in general. It didn’t take long for me to realize where I needed to be and what I needed to be doing. Today’s students are our future and without the proper guidance and tools to propel them, the change we so need will not happen. Writing helps aid in their communication to others, while regular reading improves vocabulary and overall knowledge. Teaching these skills will go far in society today.

Erica Sibley
2nd Grade Teacher
I was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Arizona in the beginning of January 2021. I attended Chapman University and graduated with a degree in the Bachelor of Arts – Theater and a Minor in Leadership. From there, I followed a path into event planning and hospitality, where I really focused on creating strong relationships with clients.
I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until my daughter was born and Covid hit that I really got to follow through with that dream. When I was laid off due to Covid and events in the hotel being required to cancel, I worked diligently to earn my teaching credential and apply for jobs. I was ecstatic when I got the call that my passion and dream was going to become a reality. I absolutely love working with children and thrilled to work with 2nd grade students. Teaching is where my heart is and I’m so excited to begin my 3^rd year at this amazing school.

Katelyn Cabrera
Music Teacher
I chose teaching as a career because It allows me to share my musical knowledge with all of my students. I have taught music ever since I was in High School and loved all the team building and ensemble work music creates. Teaching allows me to show music through different cultures and influences. We as an ensemble get to pick our repertoire to help motivate and make practicing more fun.

Last

Exercise Happy

Physical Education

Athletic Clubs and Team Sports

Montessori Adolescent Teacher

5th Grade ELA & SS Teacher

Science Teacher/Head Boys Basketball Coach

Montessori Teacher (Kinder)

ESS Teacher (Recker)

Gifted 1st and 2nd Grade Teacher

Preschool Administrative Assistant

1st Grade Teacher

Science Teacher

Gifted 4th Grade Teacher

Corporate Board Member

Front Desk Assistant (Recker Campus)

6th Grade English and Social Studies Teacher

District Athletic and Facilities Director

Academic Achievement Coordinator

English Teacher

2nd Grade Teacher

Music Teacher

SCHEDULE A TOUR OR CONTACT US

Recker Campus (Pre K – 6th)

3959 E Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Phone: 480-222-0811

Fax: 480-471-5990

Email: Email Us

Power Campus (7th – 12th)

3232 S Power Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Phone: 480-222-0811

Fax: 480-809-6467

Email: Email Us

SCHEDULE A TOUR OR CONTACT US

Recker Campus (Pre K – 6th)

3959 E Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Phone: 480-222-0811

Fax: 480-471-5990

Email: Email Us

Power Campus (7th – 12th)

3232 S Power Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Phone: 480-222-0811

Fax: 480-809-6467

Email: Email Us

SCHEDULE A TOUR
OR CONTACT US

SCHEDULE A TOUR
OR CONTACT US