Mandy Hill: A Lifelong Journey in Education

Posted on 10/11/2023

You might say teaching has been a way of life for Mandy Hill, whose mother was a teacher in Aurora Public Schools for 25 years.

“I would help her grade papers and go with her to work sometimes,” said Mandy. “She has always been my hero.”

Mandy went to school to become a teacher, and funny enough she worked her way through college in the school system as an educational assistant, a health assistant, and a school secretary. She had multiple jobs in education even before she earned her teaching degree!

Mandy taught fourth- and fifth grades at Rock Ridge Elementary and was a driver’s education instructor. Outside of education, she worked in retail and the restaurant business.

One of Mandy’s proudest accomplishments is opening Sage Canyon as a member of the planning team.

“Seeing our dreams and vision come to fruition every day for students and teachers gives me great satisfaction,” she said. “The excitement every morning as kids walk through the door is one of the best parts about working in public education. There isn’t a better way to start a day!”

Mandy is also very proud of developing one of the first pilot programs for autism in the district.

Sage canyon principal mandy hill on a dunk tank game

Mandy gives handwritten notes of thanks, appreciation, and love to let her staff know how much they are appreciated. Spending time with students, going to recess, and finding the humor in everything helps keep Mandy energized at work.

“I’m a recent cancer survivor and this has helped me remember what is truly important, where I need to focus my energy, and how important it is to unplug from work,” she said. “I will never take a day for granted so when I get to do fun things like get in a dunk tank during our fun run or spend time with a student who just needs extra support that day, I realize that those moments all build together to create an amazing life.”

Walking her dog, reading, and binging TV is how Mandy likes to relax at the end of the day. You may also find her spending time with her family, traveling, watching movies, hiking, or just hanging out. She loves to cook and tries to emulate her grandma who used food to convey love and care.

“My son Luke is a sophomore at Western Colorado University and plays football so we spend lots of time going to his games on Saturdays and cheering on the Chiefs on Sundays! My daughter Maddie is a senior in high school so we are trying to get as much family time as possible! My husband, Gene, is a teacher at Mountain Ridge Middle School and coaches football for Mountain Vista High School,” she said.