Celebrating 100 Years of MUSD: Mykaela Schroeder, MUSD Alumni, Staff, & Future Teacher
Celebrating 100 Years of MUSD: Mykaela Schroeder, MUSD Alumni, Staff, & Future Teacher
Mykaela Schroeder, a MUSD alumna of Roadrunner ‘07, and Marana Middle ‘09, and current staff member at Estes Elementary School.*
- Roadrunner Elementary, Student 2002-2007
- Marana Middle, Student 2007-2009
- Twin Peaks K-8, Staff member, 2019-2020
- Estes Elementary, Staff member, 2020-2021
- Gladden Farms Elementary, Staff member, 2021-2023
- Estes Elementary, Staff member, 2023- Present
I attended Roadrunner Elementary and Marana Middle School, and some of my earliest and most meaningful memories come from those classrooms.
In first grade, Mrs. Toothmen helped me learn to read and grow beyond my reading disability. She’s the reason I began to love reading. In sixth grade, I went to the Renaissance Festival with Mrs. Fitzmens and Mrs. Spainard. I brought home a wax rose that I treasured for years. Mrs. Spainard also made learning history and art so much fun.
At Marana Middle School, Mr. Armstrong made eighth-grade math a class I genuinely looked forward to. We even share the same birthday. He told us funny stories, kept us engaged, and somehow made sure we were learning and behaving at the same time. Mrs. Maxwell was another teacher who made a lasting impact. She helped rebuild my confidence during a time when I had very little. She even chose one of my art pieces to use as a backdrop, which meant the world to me.
The biggest life lesson I learned in Marana schools is that you will always be loved and have a home with at least one teacher or aide. That has stayed with me.
Today, I’m happy to serve Marana Schools. I’ve worked at Twin Peaks (2019–2020), Estes (2020–2021), Gladden Farms (2021–2023), and now I’m back at Estes, where I’ve been since 2023. The last three years have felt like home away from home. Mrs. Ward at Estes has been incredibly influential in my journey, allowing me to learn from her and even use her classroom to practice teaching.
I’m currently attending Grand Canyon University while working at Estes to become a teacher. MUSD helped me figure out what I want to do with my life, and now I hope to give back in the same way my teachers gave to me.
I miss the field trips and the joy of simply being a kid. But more than anything, I’m grateful. My teachers poured so much love and hard work into me. I hope to be that safe place for students one day, to help them feel seen, supported, and loved, just like I did.
*Information submitted by Mykaela Schroeder and written by MUSD Office of Public Relations.
SHARE YOUR STORY
As we count down to Marana Schools 100-Year Celebration on April 25, we invite alumni, teachers, and staff from over the years to share their stories! Published by the MUSD Office of Public Relations, you’ll have the opportunity to be highlighted as we celebrate a century of memories, milestones, and impact.
About Marana Schools 100-Year Centennial Celebration
The Marana Unified School District is proud to celebrate 100 Years of Marana Schools and excellence in education! Join us for an unforgettable community celebration on Saturday, April 25, 2026, honoring a century of learning, educational achievements and milestones, and the wonderful Marana community spirit! We have a daytime free family and community event at Marana High School and an adults-only ticketed dinner at Marana Pumpkin Patch. You won't want to miss out!