The GPS Family Welcomes 172 New Educators to Kick Off the 2026-2027 School Year
The GPS Family Welcomes 172 New Educators to Kick Off the 2026-2027 School Year
Tristan Chavez
On Monday, July 20th, the GPS Family gathered at Desert Ridge High School to welcome 172 new Kindergarten through 12th-grade educators at the district’s New Teacher Orientation. Over breakfast and an energetic performance by the DRHS Marching Band, led by Director Stephanie Williams, incoming teachers connected with their new colleagues before receiving opening welcomes from Governing Board President Chad Thompson and new Superintendent Dr. Jared Ryan.
At the orientation, new teachers spent the morning working side-by-side with their campus Principals and Instructional Coaches, participating in team-building activities and onboarding training with support from multiple departments across the district.
As GPS enters the 2026–2027 school year, the orientation served as a reflection of the district’s shared commitment to uplifting every individual across its 38 campuses, 24 departments, 4,000-plus staff members, and 30,000-plus students.
"Joining our GPS team isn't just taking a job; it's becoming part of our true family of educators," shared Superintendent Dr. Jared Ryan at the GPS Governing Board Meeting on July 21. "Our new faculty members are stepping into a rich, proud history defined by 113 years of excellence, tradition, and legacy. That is a powerful foundation to build upon, and we're excited to see how this incoming group will leave their own mark on our school community."
The collaborative effort brought together teams from Professional Growth & Development, Talent Management, Technology Services, Teaching & Learning, and Administrative Services, ensuring every new teacher walked away with a complete network of support behind them.
As Dr. Ryan noted, achieving student success is a collective effort: "A kickoff event running as smoothly as it did doesn't happen by accident. It's a combined effort... Thank you all for your involvement in making this day a success."
Parents and Families - Follow your child’s school social media accounts to learn all about the teachers and staff joining their school. Read more about the GPS Family and view resources like employee perks, work calendars, and more by visiting GilbertSchools.net/Jobs.
