Patagonia has a new, highly-qualified, high school science teacher who brings years of experience to the position. Michael Tackett, a 26-year veteran of the profession, possesses multiple certifications and degrees. And he brings fresh enthusiasm to the job.
“I have checked out Patagonia for years,” he explained. “I thought this would be a great place to teach, and it is.”
Tackett holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Arizona State University and a Master of Education in Bilingual Multicultural Studies from Northern Arizona University.
Prior to this school year, Tackett spent three years mentoring teachers as a field supervisor for iTeach Arizona. The program helps individuals with a bachelor’s degree get certified for specific subject areas. All teachers must meet specific criteria set by the state of Arizona to teach a subject. Tackett’s role was to conduct classroom observation and give feedback and guidance to individuals enrolled in the program.
Tackett taught in Santa Cruz County for the bulk of his career, mostly at Nogales High School where he served as Chair of the Science Department and taught chemistry, biology, and physical science classes until 2022. At Patagonia High, he is doing it all with a full schedule that includes Leadership Class, freshman Biology, sophomore Chemistry, junior Physics and a senior class that has so far included Anatomy, Physiology and Robotics.
“I feel like a novice,” Tackett confessed. “At Nogales I only had to prepare for two or three different subjects, but here each class period needs individual preparations. This is tricky for setting up and taking down lab projects.”
“Mr. Tackett is an outstanding addition to our staff,” according to fellow high school teacher and Athletic Director Nate Porter. “It is a real pleasure to work with him. He readily volunteers his time after school to help us with the volleyball scoring. He is a good fit for PUHS.”
One of the exciting things Tackett has introduced to students is the MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) program administered through the University of Arizona (UA). The MESA program is based on design challenges, with student teams able to enter regional and statewide competitions. Tackett is offering MESA as a class two days a week.
“This schedule is perfect to make it happen,” he said. “In spring, teams will spend a day at UA competing.”