- Academics
This year, the Teaching and Learning department is excited to continue the work of our Math Powers Possibility initiative. This work is centered on a bold goal: increasing the percentage of students successfully completing Algebra I in eighth grade while ensuring every learner develops the confidence, skills, and mindset needed for future success. The initiative supports SUSD's strategic priority of academic excellence and aligns with our vision of preparing students for college, career, and life.
This year, significant progress is underway. Teachers across the district are implementing new mathematics instructional resources and participating in professional learning focused on student engagement, mathematical discourse, problem-solving, and conceptual understanding. Professional Learning Communities are strengthening collaboration among educators, while Math Ambassadors at each campus are helping support implementation and share best practices.
A districtwide Math Powers Possibility committee continues to bring together teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and instructional leaders to guide this work. Through ongoing conversations, research, and data review, the committee is helping shape systems that expand opportunities for students while ensuring strong support structures are in place. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Dr. J at tjagodzinski@susd.org.
Most importantly, this initiative is about changing the narrative around mathematics. We believe that every student can grow as a mathematician. By creating engaging learning experiences, strengthening instruction, and fostering a culture where students see themselves as capable problem-solvers, we are building a future where mathematics truly powers possibility for all learners.
- Academics
Behind every successful classroom is a network of professionals dedicated to supporting educators and creating exceptional learning experiences for students. The Scottsdale Unified School District Teaching and Learning team partners with teachers, school leaders, and staff to provide curriculum support, instructional coaching, professional learning, and innovative practices that help students thrive.
Our team works alongside schools to support district initiatives, strengthen instruction, and ensure all students have access to engaging, high-quality learning opportunities. We invite you to meet the specialists who help bring these efforts to life across SUSD.
Stacey Pasquel - Professional Learning and Innovation Coordinator
Stacey leads district professional learning efforts and supports innovative practices that strengthen teaching and learning. She is committed to helping educators grow throughout every stage of their careers by coordinating learning opportunities that inspire collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.
Email: spasquel@susd.org
Phone: (480) 484-6162
Michelle Irvin - Coordinator of Fine Arts and Physical Education
Michelle supports Fine Arts and Physical Education programs across the district, fostering creativity, wellness, and student engagement. She works closely with teachers, community partners, and schools to promote arts integration, support arts events, oversee the Seal of Fine Arts, and expand opportunities for students to explore and showcase their talents.
Email: mirvin@susd.org
Phone: (480) 484-5051
Shelby Proctor - PreK-5 Language Arts Academic Coach
A familiar face in SUSD, Shelby previously served as a classroom teacher at Yavapai Elementary before joining the Teaching and Learning team. As the Elementary ELA Curriculum Coach, she partners with teachers to implement high-quality literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading. Through professional learning, collaborative planning, and classroom support, she helps educators meet the diverse needs of young readers and writers.
Email: sproctor@susd.org
Phone: (480) 484-5120
Molly Kiesig - 6-12 Language Arts Academic Coach
Molly works with middle and high school ELA teachers to strengthen instructional practices and support implementation of the district's adopted curriculum. She enjoys collaborating with educators to analyze student learning, develop engaging lessons, and refine instructional strategies that promote student growth and achievement. We are excited to welcome Molly back to SUSD as a boomerang employee and are excited she will be supporting our secondary ELA teachers!
Email: mkiesig@susd.org
Phone: (480) 484-5064
Carrie Chapman - PreK-5 Math Academic Coach
Carrie partners with elementary educators to create meaningful and engaging math experiences for students. She provides curriculum support, instructional coaching, professional learning, lesson modeling, and collaborative planning to help teachers build confidence and deepen mathematical understanding in their classrooms.
Email: cchapman@susd.org
Phone: (480) 484-5035
Carline Fried - 6-12 Math Academic Coach
Carline supports secondary mathematics teachers by providing resources, coaching, and instructional guidance that promote student-centered learning. She enjoys helping educators develop engaging math experiences that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and a positive mathematical mindset.
Email: cfried@susd.org
Phone: (480) 484-5119
Claire Vacanti - K-12 Social Studies Academic Coach
Claire collaborates with educators across all grade levels to support high-quality Social Studies instruction. She works alongside teachers to design engaging learning experiences that bring history, civics, geography, and economics to life while encouraging students to think critically, make connections, and become informed citizens. Claire is new to SUSD and we are so excited to have her on the team!
Email: cvacanti@susd.org
Phone: (480) 484-5115
Becky Williams - K-12 Science Academic Coach
Becky brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role as SUSD's K-12 Science Coach. Having served the district in a variety of capacities throughout her career, she understands the unique needs of both educators and students across all grade levels. Becky partners with teachers to strengthen science instruction, support curriculum implementation, and create engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences that spark curiosity and deepen student understanding. We are excited to welcome her to the Teaching and Learning team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on science education across the district.
Email: rebeccawilliams@susd.org
Phone: (480) 484-5117
Lotus Kaplan - Digital Innovation Coach
Lotus helps educators integrate technology in purposeful and impactful ways that enhance student learning. Through professional learning, classroom modeling, co-teaching, and individualized coaching, she supports teachers in leveraging digital tools to create engaging and innovative learning experiences.
Email: lkaplan@susd.org
Phone: (480) 484-5113
Ivan Chango - Digital Innovation Coach
Ivan partners with teachers and schools to explore innovative instructional strategies and effective uses of educational technology. He supports educators through coaching, technology integration, and collaborative planning to help create dynamic, future-ready learning environments that empower students and teachers alike.
Email: ichango@susd.org
Phone: (480) 484-5007
Together, the Teaching and Learning team is committed to supporting educators, fostering innovation, and helping every student reach their full potential. Whether you need assistance with curriculum, instructional strategies, professional learning, technology integration, or program support, we look forward to partnering with you throughout the school year.
- Academics
As the doors open for a new school year, the Scottsdale Unified School District is excited to welcome students, families, and staff back to classrooms filled with possibility, purpose, and opportunity.
Throughout the summer, our Teaching and Learning Department has been hard at work preparing for a successful start to the year. From supporting new educator onboarding to providing professional learning opportunities for returning staff, our focus has remained on ensuring every classroom is a place where students can thrive, grow, and achieve their highest potential.
This year, we are especially proud to welcome our newest educators and support professionals to the SUSD family. These talented individuals bring diverse experiences, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. Their enthusiasm and dedication will help strengthen the exceptional educational experiences our students receive every day.
Across the district, teachers and staff have spent the summer refining instructional practices, exploring innovative learning strategies, and preparing engaging learning environments. Their commitment reflects the collective belief that every student deserves meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and achievement.
As we begin this new chapter together, we are grateful for the continued partnership of our families and community. Your support plays a vital role in student success, and we look forward to working together to create a year filled with growth, connection, and celebration.
Here's to a fantastic start to the school year and to the incredible possibilities that lie ahead for every SUSD learner!
- Academics
Summer is a wonderful time for students to relax, recharge, and continue exploring their interests. Scottsdale Unified School District is proud to support families with meaningful learning opportunities through our SUSD Summer Learning Site.
Our summer website is designed to provide families with a wide range of engaging resources, enrichment activities, and academic supports for students entering kindergarten through high school. Families can access the site by visiting Explore the SUSD Summer Learning Site or by going to the district website and selecting the “Summer Learning” link at the top of the homepage.
The site includes curated learning opportunities organized by grade level, making it easy for families to find activities that match their child’s needs and interests. These resources include hands-on enrichment ideas, academic practice, and links to trusted digital tools that students use during the school year.
Students will continue to have access to IXL and other digital learning platforms throughout the summer. By logging in through Clever, students can use IXL’s Summer Boost skill plans to practice key math and reading skills aligned to the grade level they will be entering in the fall, helping them build confidence and stay on track for the year ahead.
We encourage families to explore the Summer Learning Site and take advantage of the many resources available. Together, we can support students in staying engaged, strengthening their skills, and discovering new passions all summer long.
- Academics
This year, our district is taking intentional steps to strengthen math teaching and learning through focused professional learning on our newly adopted math curriculum and the upcoming launch of our Math Ambassadors initiative, both aligned to our Math Powers Possibility vision.
Throughout this spring, all math teachers are participating in training designed to support the successful implementation of the new curriculum. These learning opportunities focus on our new math instructional framework, understanding the instructional shifts embedded in the materials, unpacking standards-aligned lessons, and strengthening practices that promote conceptual understanding, mathematical discourse, and equitable access to grade-level content.
This work reflects our belief that math powers possibility when students are given consistent opportunities to think deeply, explain their reasoning, and engage in meaningful, challenging mathematics.
Beginning in May and continuing into next school year, our Math Ambassadors will begin supporting this important work across the district. Math Ambassadors will serve as instructional leaders and collaborative partners, helping teachers bring Math Powers Possibility to life in classrooms. Through modeling, coaching, and professional collaboration, they will support high-quality instruction that builds student confidence, curiosity, and readiness for future learning.
Together, these efforts lay the foundation for a coherent, equitable math system—one that supports teachers and expands opportunities for all students. By aligning curriculum training with Math Ambassadors support, we are investing in a shared vision where every student is empowered to see themselves as capable and confident mathematicians.