The famous expression, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work again,” was written for Folsom Middle School’s Aaron MacDonald. As STYLE’s newly crowned “Teacher of the Year” for 2023/2024 says himself, “I absolutely love my job; when you love something so much, you don’t think of it as work. It’s my way of life. I want my classroom to be the happiest place on Earth…a safe place. I want the kids to want to go to school. I look forward to seeing them every day.” 

This passion for the role of teacher comes through in everything Aaron says. A word he returns to throughout our conversation is “connection.” Connecting with the students—be that in class or as a coach, before school, after school, or at lunchtime—is important to him. Aaron even goes to watch students in sports outside of school, such is the connection he builds.  

“Receiving this award is so humbling.  I don’t feel I deserve it, as it’s just something I love doing.”   

Mr. MacDonald, to his students, is a sixth-grade math teacher as well as athletic director, coach of eighth grade girls’ volleyball and basketball, and head coach of track at Folsom Middle School. His love of teaching is evident through his involvement in so much of school life, but it wasn’t on his career horizon initially.  

He was a chemistry major at Graceland University in Iowa, a life-changing and wonderful experience, he tells me, as that’s where he met his late wife, Michelle. Upon graduation, he became a research scientist, which he didn’t enjoy, and it was a member of Michelle’s family who suggested he become a teacher. They had observed how well Aaron connected with children and although he couldn’t believe he was returning to the classroom, he now admits that his teaching career has been, “the time of my life.”

“The kids are like my caffeine—they give me so much energy.”

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 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.” 

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!

by Caroline Kings
Photos courtesy of Aaron MacDonald.