When most new hires start at a school, they spend weeks learning their way around campus. For six employees at San Tan Charter School, that wasn’t necessary. They already knew the hallways, classrooms and even the trophy case — because they once walked them as students.

The Gilbert charter school counts six alumni among its staff: the district athletic and facilities director, an athletic department assistant, the community outreach and special events director, a Montessori teacher, a Montessori assistant and a maintenance technician.

Rita Sippel, chief communications officer and assistant superintendent, said the school is proud to welcome back graduates who want to give back.

“We have an amazing group of former students and graduates who have decided to return to our school as members of our incredible staff,” Sippel said. “We are thrilled that so many of our former students had such positive experiences here and they were inspired to give back to the San Tan community.”

For Kristofer Sippel Jr., the decision to return was about continuing a tradition. Sippel attended San Tan from kindergarten through 12th grade and graduated in 2020. Now in his third year as district athletic and facilities director, he said the school shaped who he is.

“San Tan provided a family environment that allowed me to grow into the person I was meant to be,” he said. “I can now instill that in the students today to be confident in who they are. I take a lot of pride in making this place the best it can be.”

Athletic department assistant Gavin Spinks, who graduated in 2018, said the school “never really stopped feeling like home.”

“The people here made my experience as a student so positive, and I wanted to be part of that again, this time from the other side,” Spinks said. “It’s cool to now be able to help create that same environment for the next group of students.”

Kylie Sippel, a 2020 graduate, began working at San Tan during high school summers. Since June 2023, she has served as community outreach and special events director.

“I always loved the small school environment,” she said. “It was amazing to know everyone and for everyone to know me. All of the teachers provided such a loving, warm and welcoming environment, that I wanted to be able to give back to the San Tan community and help with whatever was needed.”

Madison Wilson, who attended San Tan for 14 years and graduated in 2020, now teaches first through third grade in the Montessori program. She said her time as a student gave her more than an education.

“It gave me a foundation of belonging, encouragement, and confidence,” Wilson said. “Those experiences shaped the way I now connect with my students and inspire me to create the same safe and supportive environment that I was so fortunate to have growing up.”

Sadie Oswald, a 2021 graduate, works as a Montessori assistant in preschool while student teaching in lower elementary classrooms. She said the school’s sense of family drew her back.

“When I transferred from a large public high school, I had never truly experienced that feeling of belonging,” Oswald said. “I often felt like just another student being moved along in the system. At San Tan, however, I felt genuinely seen, valued and supported by the faculty, teachers and even my peers.”

Presley Berhost, who graduated in 2021, works as a maintenance technician. He began learning the skills for his role as a middle school student assisting the former maintenance staff member.

“In the seventh grade I used to be a Teacher’s Assistant for the former maintenance guy in exchange for an elective,” Berhost said. “I ended up being his TA all the way up until tenth grade when he left. He taught me a lot of skills and really showed me how the school operated.”

For these alumni, returning to San Tan means more than a job. It’s a chance to create the same sense of belonging they once experienced.

Wilson said her students enjoy hearing about her time at the school.

“It often makes them feel more connected, knowing their teacher once sat in the same classrooms,” she said. “Recently, my former fifth grade teacher’s class visited us to see projects my students had created, and it was such a full-circle moment to watch them present with so much pride.”

Sippel said the alumni bring valuable experience and perspective to their roles.

“We are honored that they all decided to join our staff, and they all do an outstanding job in their roles at San Tan,” she said. “It’s truly a pleasure to work with each of them.”