This month, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on an incredible educator at Pueblo Del Sol, Mrs. Haley Lewis, our dedicated 4th-grade teacher. Mrs. Lewis’s journey to our community is as inspiring as the impact she’s made in her classroom. Originally from Georgia, her path brought her to Sierra Vista through the military. Her teaching career spans over three decades, including eight years in Tombstone, time at a private school, homeschooling, and now a beloved place at PDS where she has truly found her niche in 4th grade.
Mrs. Lewis is a proud wife and mother. Her 22-year-old son is currently in college in Utah, a state she treasures visiting for family time and its breathtaking landscapes. Her experiences have enriched her perspective, making her an empathetic and understanding mentor to her students.
At the core of Mrs. Lewis’s teaching philosophy is a profound dedication to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment. She emphasizes building her students’ confidence and helping them bridge the transition from third to fourth grade, a pivotal time in their academic journey. Her classroom rules align with her deep belief in PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere where students feel empowered to succeed.
As the grade-level team leader, Mrs. Lewis serves not only as a mentor but also as a source of inspiration for her colleagues. She takes pride in collaborative lesson planning and providing valuable guidance that uplifts the entire team. Dr. Martinez shares, “Mrs. Lewis serves as a site leader and grade-level team leader, but she is much more than that. She demonstrates her heart and passion for her profession through her commitment to student academic success and growth. She sets very high standards for her students. Her students meet and exceed these expectations and are some of the best students we have on campus. Ms. Lewis goes out of her way to assist others while providing the best feedback in order for her team to grow.”
In Mrs. Lewis’s classroom, every day is an opportunity for growth and connection. She encourages her students to leave their worries at the door and embrace the joy of learning. Her students adore the unique touches she brings, like the ability to bring “fuzzy friends” to class, sitting in the teacher’s chair as a reward, and earning PBIS points to spend at the Dust Devil Depot. Her dedication doesn’t stop there; she introduces innovative and engaging projects like the American Hero Pumpkin Biography in the fall and is eagerly planning a career day in the spring to inspire her students’ aspirations.
Mrs. Lewis’s enthusiasm for leadership and teamwork extends beyond her classroom. She is a natural leader who boosts morale and fosters collaboration among her colleagues. Her time living in Korea has further broadened her perspective, allowing her to bring a rich array of experiences to her teaching.
Pueblo Del Sol and SVUSD are fortunate to have Mrs. Haley Lewis as part of their family. Her unwavering dedication, creativity, and compassion leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets. Thank you, Mrs. Lewis, for being a shining example of excellence in education and for making PDS a better place for all!