Celebrating 100 Years of MUSD: Sheila Callahan, MUSD Alumna and Current Instructional Coach at QRE
Celebrating 100 Years of MUSD: Sheila Callahan, MUSD Alumna and Current Instructional Coach at QRE
Sheila Callahan: MUSD Alumna and QRE Instructional Coach*
- Tortolia Middle School, 1990-1992
- Marana High School, Graduated Class of 1996
- Tortolia Middle Teacher; 2001-2012
- Rattlesnake Ridge Teacher, 2012-2014
- MUSD Instructional Coach, 2014-2021
- Dove Mountain K-8 Instructional Coach, 2021-2024
- Quail Run Elementary Instructional Coach, 2024- Present
As you can see from my educational and teaching journey, MUSD has truly been woven into every stage of my life.
One of my fondest memories as a student happened during my junior year at Marana High School. I had never been a runner until I joined cross country and track for Coach Brady. He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. With his encouragement, I began placing in the top four and was on track to qualify for state, until tendonitis threatened to end my season. At sectionals, the pain became unbearable. I was devastated, feeling like I had let everyone down. When I saw Coach Brady, I broke down. He carried me off the course and told me, “Winners don’t always win, they just give it their all, and you are a winner.” That moment shaped me. It’s why I later became a coach myself. His compassion and belief in me still guide how I lead students today.
Academically, my favorite class was AP American History with Mr. Natta. I had never liked history before, but he turned it into stories that left us hanging on every word. He made it come alive. Because of him, I became a Social Studies teacher. I wanted my students to feel that same excitement and connection to learning.
Another powerful influence was Mrs. Marty Castro, my math teacher at Tortolita. She made complex concepts understandable and helped me believe I was good at math. Years later, when I returned as a teacher, she became my mentor. Her wisdom, compassion, and steady guidance shaped the kind of educator I strive to be.
MUSD allowed me to grow into myself. I arrived in Marana from a tiny Midwestern town of 500 people, unsure of where I fit. My teachers and coaches gave me confidence to try new things and taught me that it was okay to struggle. They showed me I had grit and perseverance.
I loved being involved in cross country, track, student council, and NHS. Friday night football games were unforgettable, bleachers full of families, laughter, and pride. Those moments defined what the Marana community felt like.
Marana has changed dramatically over the years. The cotton fields, chalkboards, wire desk baskets, lockers with combination locks, and non-air-conditioned buses are gone, replaced by smartboards, Chromebooks, growing neighborhoods, and modern campuses. Yet at its core, MUSD is still the same: a small-town, family-centered district that keeps students at the heart of every decision.
*Information submitted by Sheila Callahan 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!