Mara Hesterberg
Mara Hesterberg
7th Grade STEM Teacher | Upper Lake Middle School | Upper Lake Unified School District
Ms. Mara Hesterberg strikes a unique balance of energy, preparation, understanding, patience, and resilience as the 7th grade STEM teacher.
When Upper Lake Middle School named Ms. Hesterberg as the District Teacher of the Year, parents provided testimonials about their children who have struggled with school in the past and are now thriving, thanks to her efforts. She has rekindled their excitement for learning, making her classes a joy for students.
Her classroom is a vibrant mix of laughter, collaboration, and hands-on learning experiences. As students enter, they are greeted by Ms. Hesterberg, setting a positive tone from the start of class. At the end of each day, she aims for students to leave feeling inspired, empowered, and enthusiastic about their learning journey.
Her kindness, ingenuity, creativity, and care for her students create a supportive environment that encourages them to take risks, be brave, and grow. She embodies the qualities that Upper Lake Middle School seeks in its educators.
She is innovative with STEM projects, encouraging students to take charge of their learning through fun and engaging units.
Although this is only her second year teaching, she possesses all the skills necessary to create a dynamic learning environment in her classroom. She embraces movement, conversation, and excitement in her teaching.
Her peers and the community recognize her impact; they hear from students how much they enjoy her classes and look forward to them. This type of connection is the aim of any educator and every school—to effectively meet our students' needs in the ever-changing landscape of today's world.