Tiana Merchan is an ASU Cronkite Journalism student assigned to cover  Mountain Ridge High School for AZPreps365.com

Teacher Sara Quinn shapes the community beyond the classroom and athletics.

A Copper Creek Elementary teacher is making an impact that reaches beyond the classroom. Sara Quinn, a teacher that is located in the Deer Valley School District, and president of the Mountain Ridge High School baseball booster club, is making an impact with her positive approach and attention to detail. 

Quinn started teaching right out of college. It was something that came natural to her.

She always had a part of her that knew she wanted to be a teacher. Between her personality and leadership qualities, she possesses all strong qualities to make an impactful teacher. 

“ I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher,” Quinn said. “I have a passion for helping students feel more comfortable.”

She wants to be able to create a positive classroom environment and fully allow students to learn as much as possible. Teaching is more than covering academics, it’s being there for the students and giving them and environment where they can make mistakes and grow as individuals. 

“ I believe that having a positive growth mindset is critical for students to be successful,” Quinn said.

By emphasizing learning and perseverance, Quinn is helping students build confidence that will carry into other aspects of their lives. Quinn's teaching approach is setting students up for success beyond the classroom.

Beyond the classroom Quinn has been deeply involved in the baseball community. Both of her sons have played baseball since they were 3 years old, and her husband previously coached their teams.

This year, Quinn took on the role of  president of the Mountain Ridge baseball booster club. Quinn was nominated by the previous booster club for this position, which says a lot about the impact she and her family have made in the community. 

Nikki Bonine, a long-time friend of Quinn who has known her for nearly six years, said that Quinn’s personality naturally carries over into her leadership with the Mountain Ridge baseball team.

“As a 4th grade teacher, her bubbly personality naturally carries over into her role as booster club president,” Bonine said. 

Quinn’s personality has the opportunity to shine through in these roles. Not only is she able to bring a positive energy into the booster club community but she's also very efficient according to Bonine. 

Bonine says that Quinn understands that parents' time is valuable. Quinn’s approach to meetings are very organized allowing everyone to feel as though their schedules are being respected.

Being a leader is about judgeling all of the moving parts and setting your team up to be successful and that is exactly what Quinn does. 

“ Her attention to detail is remarkable- nothing slips through the cracks,” Bonine said.

Bonine mentions that what truly stands out about Quinn is “ her ability to balance kindness with strong leadership”. This is an element that not many people have and allows Quinn to rise in the community. 

“Sara’s commitment, attention to detail and positive energy make a huge difference for the team and the entire program,” Bonine said. “She truly goes above and beyond to support the players, families and coaches.”