For as long as Mariah Verdeal can remember, she’s wanted to be a teacher. Growing up, she had a great experience at 27J Schools where she had influential teachers in her life that truly cared about her and celebrated her successes and growth. That trust and confidence in young Mariah set in motion her quest to give the same kind of guidance and encouragement to others. For her, teaching was the ideal job.

Creating an influential school climate and direction takes dedication and belief in the school’s ability to set students on an upward trajectory. That’s a hallmark of Mariah Verdeal. And that’s why she’s earned her school’s “Great Service” recognition.

Verdeal aspired to be a teacher from an early age. She also wanted to learn about what makes a great school work. She had an opportunity to pull back the curtain on school leadership from a district perspective when she was in high school and took on the role of intern with 27J Schools. She learned the value of supporting schools from the top. Schools many times need expertise beyond what they can provide with their own resources. They also needed new ideas, lessons on using research to improve instruction and how to get new programs off the ground. That’s what she saw coming from the district’s education support center. She saw how a very dedicated and talented group of experienced educators touched and improved teaching and learning across the district.

“Interning for the district where I attended school was a very valuable experience, especially since I was planning to be a teacher,” she said. “This experience taught me how it takes a whole village to run a public education system and how dedicated the individuals working in this system are to serving students.” 

Upon graduating from Brighton High School as valedictorian, Verdeal went on to Regis University to earn her teaching degree. As a collegiate, she returned to 27J Schools to mentor students in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program which arms students with organizational and study skills to prepare them for college. 

After graduating with her bachelors degree, Verdeal became a substitute teacher for 27J Schools. As a substitute teacher, Verdeal was able to work at all grade levels at a variety of schools in 27J. At the time, the principal at Vikan Middle School asked her to apply to be a full-time, permanent teacher at Vikan. It was this same principal who ultimately called and offered her the job after applying. 

“It was completely unexpected. I applied for the position and was hired as an 8th grade math teacher. Everything just kind of fell into place,” she recalled. “27J has helped shape me into the person I am today and it was an exciting idea that I was finally going to be able to contribute to the district I grew up in.”

Verdeal taught for six years at Vikan Middle School. During that time, she coached girls soccer and helped run the National Junior Honor Society program. When she decided to leave Vikan, it was because she felt compelled to start something new. 

Trina Norris-Buck was assistant principal at the time and it was in Verdeal’s first year of teaching that she became the new principal of Vikan Middle School. It was during this time that Verdeal got to know her and had the opportunity to work under her leadership during her time at Vikan and on the next phase of her journey. 

This next phase took place at Rodger Quist Middle School, 27J’s newest middle school which opened in 2018-2019. That new school came to be thanks to a community that believed in its students and prepared for the future. Voters approved a bond issue in 2015 which built schools like Quist, in fast-growing areas like Thornton. 

Verdeal was part of the core leadership team at Quist. The team’s responsibility was to create the school’s mission, core values and vision which codified the beliefs, commitments and expectations for which the school and staff would be held accountable.

For example, for Verdeal, a particularly powerful part of the mission is the concept of “developing hearts and minds.” That translates to teachers doing more than just instructing students on academics, but also developing a relationship with them and supporting them in their success and growth. 

Verdeal lives this ideal every day. 

“I truly believe in the mission. I love seeing my students show empathy and kindness towards others and develop into well-rounded individuals with the skills and desire to make a difference. It’s one of my goals to help students reach their full potential and for me to be more than just a math teacher to them.” 

Verdeal champions the work to make Quist an innovative and welcoming school for all students. As part of the school’s shared leadership team, she contributes to the decision making process about curriculum, culture, support, and service — things that really impact students, staff, and ultimately the community. 

Verdeal experienced the life-changing benefits of mentors taking active roles in her life. Now she pays it forward for the next generation in 27J.