Mr. Hastings grew up in northern Colorado but has been in Arizona for over 25 years. He graduated from Arizona State University in 2005 and taught History, ELL, French, and German at Florence High School before moving to Poston Butte High School. There he served as a foreign language teacher, instructional coach, and Dean of Students before moving to San Tan Foothills High School as an Assistant Principal. Since 2022, Mr. Hastings has been the Principal of Copper Basin K-8.

Mr. Hastings has worked with the Copper Basin community to develop a mission and vision that puts learning front and center. Staff and students at Copper Basin challenge themselves to learn at high levels and be their best academically, emotionally, and socially. Copper Basin is a caring community of engaged learners who persevere and take pride in their actions.

Mr. Hastings is proud to lead the staff and students at Copper Basin K-8. Please feel free to reach out to him with any questions or concerns you may have.   

Tara Walter has taught various grade levels from kindergarten through twelfth grade since 2000, serving the past nine years as an administrator.  She holds two master’s degrees in education from Northern Arizona University, graduating with high honors in Educational Leadership: Principal K-12 and Elementary Education; two bachelor’s degrees from the State University of New York in Elementary Education and English (Literature/Writing), and an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Herkimer County Community College.  She was provided the unique opportunity to complete the second half of her student teaching experience abroad, in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England.  During her experience abroad, she welcomed the opportunity to travel throughout Europe.  This experience allowed her to learn and appreciate other cultures and ways of life.

As an educator, she has served as a Team Leader, Reading Coach, Mentor Teacher, Gifted Site Coordinator, NJHS, and Science Club Advisor.  Her responsibilities in these positions allowed her to create opportunities for the students and aide colleagues in achieving higher standards for themselves professionally.  Mrs. Walter’s core belief as an educator is that all students have the potential to be successful.  She believes that with a positive attitude, growth mindset, and good character, anyone can achieve great things.  Mrs. Walter strives to instill those qualities in our students and to be a positive role model as well.  Her goal for this year is to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment for our students.  She will challenge our students to reach beyond their expectations and become lifelong learners who will make the world a better place.  She is looking forward to a wonderful year at Copper Basin and is excited about the possibilities ahead for us!

Go Dust Devils!

Aubrey comes from a family whose parents worked in education and dedicated their professional lives to educating children for over 30 years. Aubrey received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University in 2004, and her educational career began in 2004. She has taught several different grade levels and subjects throughout her teaching career. She joined Florence Unified School District in 2018 as a teacher at Circle Cross Ranch. During her time as a teacher, Aubrey has always had many leadership roles and truly enjoys helping every child to reach their full academic potential, as well as helping teachers to become the best educators they can be. Aubrey received her Master’s of Educational Leadership Degree with a concentration in Principalship from Arizona State University in 2022. 

Aubrey enjoys spending time with her family, especially taking trips to their favorite place, Disneyland. She loves to read, cook, and go to sporting events and festivals.

Aubrey is beyond excited to become a part of the Copper Basin Family. She is excited to work with the teachers, students, and families of Copper Basin, and is ready to help make the 22-23 school year amazing! 

Go Dust Devils!

Mrs. Johnson (Disney) is eager to serve another year at Copper Basin as the Instructional Coach. Nikole has been in education for over 15 years; serving as both an administrator and teacher. Most recently, she taught at Copper Basin in 6^th grade but before that served as a school leader for 5 years at a nearby school.

Nikole lives in San Tan Valley with her husband, three dogs, and cat. In her spare time, she loves to be on the beach in Mexico, reading books by the pool, attending ASU sporting events, and enjoying all that Arizona has to offer in her RZR.

Nikole is a Dust Devil through and through! She loves Copper Basin and is eager to serve and support its staff and students this year in her new role.