Michaela Mabee is an English teacher here at Santa Fe High School, teaching 9th grade. Although she just joined the staff in 2023, she is not new to the profession.

Ms. Mabee taught English in Italy back in 2014, teaching adults to communicate in English so they could grow in their professions. She says her time in Italy really drew her close to wanting to teach languages, developing a love for it. 

“My passion is languages,” she said. “I love helping people learn new languages; I love to learn languages.” She said that “with time,” she hopes to teach “more advanced languages in the future.”

Ms. Mabee also studied abroad in Ireland and remembers her time in Europe fondly: “At times I wish I never left Italy, but it’s crazy how life works out sometimes. My life would be so different if I’d never left.” 

Ms. Mabee grew up in Indiana and graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management. Before teaching at SFHS, she worked at the Inn of the Anasazi, then later at the Santa Fe Airport. Originally, she moved to Santa Fe because she was offered a management training position at the hotel. Then she started a life here with her husband.

Outside of school, Ms. Mabee loves being involved with her family. “Family is a big thing for me, and I try my best to make it a first priority,” she said. She and her husband have a 5-year old son and an 11-year old whom she “shares” with his mom from her husband’s previous marriage. Lastly, she has another kiddo coming in November.

Ms. Mabee’s personal motto that she would like to share with the school is, “Take a leap of faith in life.”