By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Michelle McClarran

Michelle McClarran knew she wanted to be a middle school math teacher since she was a high school student. With a love of mathematics and a joy of working with children, it seemed like a dream job. Many students have a fear of math, and McClarran made it her goal to erase that fear by instilling a love for the subject by increasing confidence in problem solving.

Today, McClarran is in her 24th year of education. Her teaching journey began in Texas. A graduate from the University of North Texas with a degree in education and a minor in math, McClarran accepted her first teaching assignment teaching math for three years at Arbor Creek Middle School – the same school where she student taught. She continued teaching seventh and eighth grade math, as well as algebra for 12 years before moving to Colorado.

During her time in Texas, McClarran met her husband of 17 years, Mike, and started their family. They have two daughters, Kaley (13) and Kendall (10). A pilot for Southwest Airlines, Mike was given a career opportunity that moved the McClarrans to Colorado.

In 2013 the McClarrans joined the Castle Pines community and Michelle said they could not be happier. Making the move was truly an easy decision for the family. They share a love for the outdoors and all adventurous activities Colorado has to offer – hiking, biking, fly fishing, sledding, snowmobiling and skiing.

Prior to their Colorado move, McClarran was offered a position teaching sixth grade math at her number one choice of schools, Rocky Heights Middle School. Today, she teaches sixth grade math, advanced math and accelerated seventh grade math and is the math department lead co-sponsoring the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS).

McClarran says it has been rewarding to watch the NJHS chapter members learn how to run meetings with parliamentary procedures, but mostly she enjoys watching the members come together to give back to the community – a community that she strongly supports.

McClarran, along with both of her daughters, has served the community through Girl Scouts and now serve through the National Charity League (NCL).

When the McClarran girls were younger, McClarran volunteered as troop leader for both of their troops. It was through Girls Scouts that the McClarrans fell in love with helping others – volunteering their time where and when it is needed.

When Kaley started seventh grade, they joined the NCL Elevation Chapter to continue their love of philanthropy. The Elevation Chapter caters to mothers and daughters who live or attend school in the Douglas County School District. The McClarrans volunteer alongside other mothers and daughters with a variety of philanthropy partners.

A few favorites are Food Bank of the Rockies, CALF Lowell Ranch, and Help & Hope Center. Since joining NCL, McClarran has become a co-grade level adviser (GLA) for the class of 2026. As a GLA, she supports the girls with their ongoing commitment to philanthropy, culture, and leadership. McClarran looks forward to the day she can share the NCL experience with her youngest daughter Kendall.