Team TUSD

Jimmy Wells is a preschool teacher at Maldonado, and since joining the district in 2021, he has become an essential part of the Maldonado family. With years of teaching experience brought over from a neighboring school district, Jimmy has found his stride at Maldonado, where he finds pure joy in the classroom. His favorite part of the job? The incredible opportunity to learn from and follow his students as they discover the world around them!

Beyond his dedication to his students, Jimmy is a true community builder who shares a common thread with our most passionate educators: a deep commitment to advocacy and teamwork. Whether he is organizing with the Tucson Education Association (TEA) or spending quality time with his partner and daughter, Jimmy is all about supporting the people around him. He is a huge fan of the Maldonado team, noting that the school is home to a "fantastic staff of teachers and aides" and, of course, kids who are "fun, silly, and smart." We are so lucky to have Jimmy’s enthusiasm and leadership in our district!

Ms. Mordecai is a kindergarten teacher at Maldonado Elementary and says her time at the school has been a wonderful experience.

“My time here has been great. The facilities and programs we offer make Maldonado feel like a hidden gem on the Southwest side. The STEM lab and hands-on activities give students excellent opportunities to learn and grow.”

Ms. Mordecai has been with Tucson Unified for four years. She began in the Community Schools preschool program before earning her master’s degree and moving into elementary education.

Although not originally from Tucson, she has called it home for the past 20 years. “I’m a military brat. My dad served in the military for many years, and I moved here from Denver. Before that, I lived in Germany as well as in Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Kansas.”

Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and catching Arizona Diamondbacks games. “We go up to Phoenix a couple of times a month to watch them play.”

When asked why she would recommend Maldonado to families, Ms. Mordecai said, “It’s a small community with so much to offer. From our STEM lab and OMA to the support of our librarian, counselor, and MTSS facilitator, students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future.”

One fun fact about Ms. Mordecai? She can juggle. “I brought out my juggling balls once, and the kids were amazed.”

Last year, she was also recognized with a Fiesta Bowl grant, receiving $2,500 for classroom supplies. “It was incredible to be celebrated on the football field and recognized for all the hard work teachers do.”