The D6 Difference: Sarah Mireles, Maplewood Elementary School

Here's why staff choose D6!

Name

Sarah Mireles

School

Maplewood Elementary School

Position

Multilingual Educator

Years of Service in District 6

16+ years

"One thing that makes me feel valued and want to stay is how our district truly listens. Through the consensus model, listening sessions, and district committees, I feel that my voice is not only valued, but genuinely heard. As a D6 community, educators, students, parents, community members, and leadership all have a seat at the table. What matters most is that these ideas and perspectives don't just stay in conversation - they are often acted on and put into practice, which makes the work feel meaningful and collaborative." 

When you think about your experience in our district, what makes you feel proud to work here? 

"What makes me feel the most proud to work in D6 is the genuine commitment to our multilingual learners and their families. When I see our school and district prioritize relationships, through home visits, family events, and honoring students' languages and cultures, it shows that our work goes beyond academics. That shared belief that every student and family matters creates a sense of purpose and belonging that makes me proud to be part of this community." 

What keeps you feeling connected to and supported by our school community? 

"What keeps me feeling connected to and supported by our school community is the strong sense of belonging and relationships I have built over time. I have worked at Maplewood for 15 years alongside a dedicated staff who have become close friends. The parents of our scholars are incredibly supportive and encouraging, and together, we have built an amazing Maplewood community where staff, students, and families genuinely care for one another." 

What's a fun fact about your job? 

"The scholars I work with speak over 22 languages, which reflects the richness and diversity of our community. It's especially meaningful to now be teaching students of my former students. It speaks to the trust families place in our schools and the lasting relationships we build."

What is one experience with a student or staff member that left a lasting, positive impact on you? 

"One experience that left a lasting impact on me happened after I had worked at Cameron Elementary and later moved to Chihuahua, Mexico, to direct a nonprofit. After being interviewed on a local morning news channel, I received a call form a woman who turned out to be the parent of one of my former students from Greeley. I was able to surprise my former student at her home in Chihuahua - four years after she had been in my 2nd grade class. During the visit, she pulled out a box she had brought with her from the U.S., and inside was a picture of the two of us that I had gifted her when she was my student. Seeing that she had kept that photo and reconnecting with her 950 miles away from where we first met was a powerful reminder of how meaningful the relationships we build with students can be and the lasting impact educators can have."