Style Magazine June 2024

| community matters |
“The kids are like my
caffeine—they give me
so much energy.”
that his teaching career has
been, “the time of my life.”
Before arriving at Folsom
Middle School, Aaron had
been teaching at Carl H.
Sundahl Elementary in
Rancho Cordova for 14 years,
spanning fourth and fifth
grade over that time. A pull
to try something different
was what brought him to
Folsom Middle School,
where he’s been helping
sixth-graders master math
ever since.
“I love teaching math.
Some children can be
fearful of it, so I love making
fun lessons and [clever] ways
for them to learn. And I’m
happy to be a sixth-grade
teacher, too. I like building
connections with the kids
when they first set foot on
the campus, all wide-eyed
as they start their middle
school journey. I want their
experience to be a great
one. We laugh all the
time! The kids are like my
caffeine—they give me so
much energy.”
Energy is what he needs
with his many roles in
the athletic department.
He always wanted to be a
coach so was delighted
when the opportunity
arose to take care of girls’
volleyball, acquiring
basketball responsibilities
shortly thereafter and
more recently, track and
field. “What I love about
track and field is that so
many kids are involved, and
we’re all working toward
a common goal. It’s great
hanging out with the kids
and other coaches.”
In October 2023, Aaron’s wife, Michelle,
tragically passed away on their 27th wedding
anniversary after a battle with cancer. Aaron
speaks so fondly of Michelle, who was a teacher
too, describing their 30 years together as the
“most amazing of my life.” They had been
unable to have children themselves, due to
Michelle experiencing a molar pregnancy
20 years ago, so the couple focused all their
attention on the students they taught.
“I looked after Michelle for some time at the end
and found it hard not to be at school as much, but I was
so supported—students, parents, other teachers, families I
Favorites
COFFEE SHOP:
I love the hazelnut lattes
(because the espresso is
strong!) at Peet’s Coffee
and Temple Coffee
Roasters.
WAY TO RELAX:
Listening to musicals
and hanging out with
my 13-year-old Maltipoo,
Chloe. I don’t relax a whole
lot. I always need to be
doing something; if I sit
around too much, I feel like
I’m wasting time.
RESTAURANT:
Aloha Sushi, hands down!
Of course, Mikuni is a close
second. I also really like
Brickyard Counter & Bar in
El Dorado Hills and Bricks
Eats & Drinks in Placerville.
JOB PERK:
Staying connected with
all my students after they
leave; also, going to school
and getting zapped with
“kid energy”. It carries me
through the day!
had never taught, the whole Folsom
community. The support I received
was overwhelming. I was welcomed
back with open arms. It blows my
mind how much everyone cares.”
As this school year draws to a
close, Aaron is looking forward to
August and a new school year, his
26th in teaching. “Sure, I’ll enjoy a
couple of weeks off, but then I’ll be
ready to return. It’s boring without
any sports to coach and watch. I
obsessively plan over the summer
and get excited about the kids I’m
going to have in my classes. Of
course, I look forward to coaching,
too.”
Some people are just born to be
teachers and Aaron MacDonald is
one of them, without a doubt. He
sums it up perfectly:
“I’m happy to have been voted
‘Teacher of the Year,’ but I don’t do
this to win awards. I teach because
I love my students.”
Photos courtesy of Aaron MacDonald.
26 stylemg.com | JUNE 2024 | /stylemediagroup /stylemediagroup /stylemediagroup /stylemags