Teacher Leader Spotlight: Mike Vargas

As a passionate physics teacher in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, Mike Vargas took the scientific approach to solving one of Arizona’s problems in education: There are only 159 physics teachers in the state. Vargas was the driving force behind Senate Bill 1038: High-Quality Teacher Professional Development Pilot Program, which was signed into law on May 8. The mini-grant program will allow current teachers in the field to get new certifications in hard-to-fill STEM subjects. His willingness to step up as a teacher leader in the state showcases the tangible impact educators can have on local policy and legislation.