10,000 days of school and still learning

Rick Abel’s career in education spans five decades and four states. The principal of Maricopa Wells Middle School since 2010, Abel previously held the same position at Santa Rosa Elementary School for the five years prior.

Prior to moving to Maricopa nearly 10 years ago, Abel was a principal in Idaho for 11 years and taught social studies in Colorado, Montana and Idaho for 19 years.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher a long time ago,” Abel said. “I really started to plan for my career when I was a sophomore in high school.”

He has also taught driver’s education, coached basketball, worked as a landscaper and a golf course employee.

Abel grew up in Billings, Montana and graduated from Gallup High School in New Mexico. He received his bachelor of arts in education and his masters of public administration from the University of Montana.

He is in his 40th year as an educator.

“I have been at school for more than 10,000 days as a student, teacher, coach and/or principal,” Abel said. “The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know.”

Abel said the best part working in education is working with kids and being surrounded by good people, including staff, students and community members.

“My strategy or vision is to provide a safe environment for kids and staff where all members of the team are supported and appreciated,” Abel said.

“I hope all kids leave Maricopa Wells prepared for success in high school and beyond and feeling empowered to make decisions that will positively impact their lives,” Abel said.

Rick Abel

PRINCIPAL MARICOPA WELLS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Education: BA and MPA from the University of Montana (Go GRIZ!)

Hometown: Billings, Montana

Family: Daughter Bailey, two brothers and one cousin

Hobbies: Golf, travel, pets and meeting new people

Lowest round of golf: 71 (though I did shoot 33 for 9 holes another time)

Favorite golf course: The Hideout (Monticello, Utah) and Southern Dunes

First job in education: Social Studies teacher and JV basketball coach Power, Montana in 1974

Would like to have dinner with: Abraham Lincoln, John Lennon and my daughter

Most interesting reason a student was brought to the principal’s office: Tough call, but the most interesting question I ever had came from a ninth grade boy who wanted to know if the homecoming football game was going to be here or away.

Favorite subject: U.S. History***ADVERTISEMENT***