In the eyes of Higley Unified School District officials, the commitment and talent of exceptional staff are recognized as vital to advancing student success and supporting the district’s mission. 

With a teacher retention rate of about 90 percent, HUSD schools seek to continue to cultivate an environment in which teachers and staff feel welcome and appreciated. This drives passionate professionals to choose to grow their careers within the district, officials said.

Currently, 192 team members have served for 15 years or more, reflecting a deep culture of support, purpose, and long-term impact across all campuses. 

Among HUSD’s team are educators who began their academic journey as students in the district’s classrooms.  

“I look back on my time with warmth, as I had wonderful teachers who guided me into becoming a teacher myself," said Jack Wiersema, now an Earth Science teacher at Higley High School.. "After earning my degree from Northern Arizona University, I was offered to do my student teaching anywhere in Arizona. I knew I wanted to come back to Higley.” 

Autumn Woodson, a fourth Grade ELA teacher at Gateway Pointe Elementary, shared a similar sentiment.  

“The teachers I had throughout the district were truly inspiring,” she said. “When I was placed at an HUSD school during college, it felt like coming home, and I knew without a doubt this was where I wanted to begin my career.” 

Their experiences reflect the impact of HUSD’s learning environment and the sense of community that defines the district, officials said. 

That same commitment is evident through the Higley Leadership Academy, where 16 graduates have advanced into leadership roles, including principals, assistant principals, assistant directors and directors.

Among the program’s graduates is Michael O’Neal, now dean of students at Williams Field High School.

“HLA challenged me to grow both personally and professionally," he said. "It helped me build lasting relationships with educators across the district, and I strongly encourage others to enroll and build their leadership skills.” 

These stories reflect HUSD’s strategic plan, which emphasizes the development of highly effective personnel and building strong leadership from within. For many students, teachers and administrators, Higley becomes home.