Susan Madeira, known as Ms. Susan to her students, has been an integral part of the Hillside Academy teaching staff since 2018. She teaches Math and Science to middle school students, bringing a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her classroom. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mathematics from the University of Arizona and a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Educational Technology from San Diego State University.

Before transitioning to education, Susan had a distinguished career in the tech industry. She worked as an Engineer at General Dynamics: Convair Division, an Instructional Designer at both Apple Computer and Synoptics Corp, and served as a Lead Product Manager for BackOffice and Office at Microsoft Corp. With over seven years of teaching experience, including homeschooling her son from kindergarten through 12th grade, Susan is currently pursuing her teaching certificate and Middle Level Mathematics Endorsement from Seattle Pacific University.

Susan’s decision to enter the field of education stemmed from a lifelong passion for teaching, which she ultimately decided to follow after a successful career in technology. At Hillside Academy, she appreciates the opportunity to see each child as a unique individual with God-given talents and skills, and to encourage them to excel both academically and personally.

Her teaching philosophy in math is influenced by Dr. Peter Liljedahl’s “Building a Thinking Classroom,” where students engage with daily challenges and develop both their mathematical skills and their ability to communicate and share their thought processes. In science, Susan encourages students to explore various phenomena and develop questions that drive their learning. Each year, her science curriculum focuses on a different discipline—Earth & Space, Life, and Physical Sciences—supplemented by a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) unit. For example, in Life Science, students become Medical Detectives, solving medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs.

Susan aims to foster growth, change, and development in her middle school students, pushing them to expand their academic knowledge while also developing perseverance, communication, and teamwork skills. 

Outside of her professional life, Susan enjoys healthy eating and experimenting with new recipes that avoid processed foods and sugar. She and her husband enjoy “sauntering” through the wilderness, preferring a leisurely approach to hiking. 

A fun fact about Susan is that she was born in Alaska, raised in Arizona, lived in California, and has now called Washington home for 30 years. This diverse background contributes to her rich perspective and approach to teaching.

Susan Madeira’s dedication to her students and her innovative teaching methods make her a cherished member of the Hillside Academy faculty. Her commitment to nurturing each student’s unique talents and skills aligns perfectly with the academy’s mission, making her an invaluable asset to the school community.