Wakefield Home

Stephanie is an 18-year employee at Tucson Unified and is four years into her second stint at Wakefield Middle School. The ELA teacher came back to the southside school because she was ready to get back to middle school students. Her previous role was at the elementary school level. 

“I just loved what was happening here,” Stephanie said. “I love working on the south side of Tucson. I love this community. So, that’s what brought me to Wakefield.” 

Besides teaching ELA, Stephanie is also the school’s gardening teacher. Being able to do both roles has turned out to be a dream job. She loves teaching reading and writing but also loves being able to get kids out of the classroom in a way that supports their social and emotional wellness, while also applying real life skills. 

Gloria initially started working at Wakefield Middle School as a crossing guard but is now in her second year as a school monitor. Although she enjoyed her previous role, the fellow school staff eventually encouraged her to apply for the monitor position when it opened up. She loves being able to interact with the kids even more now as she gets to spend the whole day on campus instead of just mornings and afternoons.  

Her favorite part is being around the students because she loves their sense of humor and how they say the weirdest things," she said. 

“I love what I do,” Gloria said. “And I love the kids, and I love my staff.”

While Isabella was a student at the University of Arizona, she often found herself at the university’s library. It was a very comforting space. She ended up minoring in Library and Information Science and her family, who also work within Tucson Unified, recommended she look into working at one of the district’s school libraries. 

Now, she wants to be able to create the same environment for the students at Wakefield Middle School as the one she found at the UofA. A space where students can decompress and have a relaxing and calm space for whatever their needs. 

“It’s been so great working with these kids,” Isabella said. “They’ve taught me a lot, and it’s just a really nice environment to be working in.”