University of Arizona Athletics

Deanna McDonald’s principal describes her as an extraordinarily accomplished teacher of mathematics whose passion for her subject is only matched by her natural gifts of mind and willingness to go to any length to help students learn.  Ms. McDonald claims that she was not one of those teachers whose command of the classroom was evident from the moment they first walked in, rather her passion to serve far surpassed the results.

She says she entered the profession with an excess of fire and energy.  She has learned from her colleagues, reflected on her practices, and grown in this profession.  She has realized that teaching is more than merely a profession to her-it is her vocation. 

Teaching is not what she does for a living; it is who she is.

During her first few years as a math teacher, the biggest hurdle she had to face was that most young people did not look forward to math class just as she did as a student.  By necessity she adopted the philosophy of “whatever it takes”. Last year, 79% of Ms. McDonalds students passed the math portion of the AIMS test.

In 1983, Deanna completed her Bachelors of Science from the University of Arizona and in 1995 completed her Masters of Education.  Over the course of her 23 years as a teacher, Deanna has hoped to be the same example as the individuals that have mentored her and shown their strong examples of leadership.  Since 1985 Ms. McDonald served on every math textbook adoption committee TUSD has convened and served as the Mathematics Department Chair at Palo Verde High School for the past six years.

Ms. McDonald and her family live two blocks from Palo Verde High School.  Deanna believes that living as a member of the same community in which she teaches is to understand more deeply the needs of her students. A senior writes, because Ms. McDonald connects with students on both an academic and social level, "We have been lucky to experience her quirky side."

She’s an avid reader and “rubber duckie” collector. Her idea of fun includes taking advanced math classes during the summer, and sewing/quilting/knitting/crocheting. She’s able to point out perfect squares at ridiculous speeds.

DeAnna McDonald High School: Palo Verde H.S.