Administration

Byron Hastings

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 Elementary.

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 Elementary. Please feel free to reach out to him with any questions or concerns you may have.   

Tara Walter

Tara Walter brings 26 years of dedicated educational experience to her role as Dean of Students at Copper Basin, spanning PreK-12 classrooms and including 12 years in administration. Her extensive academic background includes two master’s degrees with high honors from Northern Arizona University (Educational Leadership and Elementary Education), two bachelor’s degrees from the State University of New York, and an associate degree from Herkimer County Community College. Her global perspective was shaped by completing her student teaching abroad in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England and extensive travel throughout Europe, an experience that fostered a deep, lifelong appreciation for diverse cultures.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Walter has naturally stepped into vital leadership and collaborative roles, serving as a Team Leader, Reading Coach, Mentor Teacher, Gifted Site Coordinator, and as a National Junior Honor Society and Student Council Advisor. It was through these experiences, mentoring colleagues and guiding future educators, that she solidified her passion for supporting staff to collectively elevate student learning. At the heart of her leadership philosophy is a deep commitment to relationship-building; Mrs. Walter believes that meaningful connections with staff, students, and families are the foundation of a thriving school.

Partnering with Principal Hastings, the Copper Basin staff, and the community, Mrs. Walter is dedicated to championing a mission and vision that puts learning front and center. Together, they are committed to fostering a safe, nurturing environment where a growth mindset and strong character empower every student. By challenging staff and students alike to learn at high levels and excel academically, emotionally, and socially, Mrs. Walter ensures that Copper Basin remains a caring community of engaged learners who persevere and take pride in their actions.

Aubrey Jackson

Aubrey Jackson is an Arizona native with over 21 years of dedicated experience in education. Inspired by her parents, who were both public-school educators, Mrs. Jackson graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She spent 19 years as a classroom teacher, instructing Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 5th grade, and English Language Learners (ELL).

Throughout her teaching career, Mrs. Jackson consistently stepped into leadership roles. She served as a team leader, PBIS Tier 1 & Tier 2 leader, spelling bee coordinator, and K-3 math instructional support coach, while also mentoring numerous student teachers and interns. These collaborative roles sparked her passion for supporting fellow educators to strengthen student learning.

In 2022, she earned her Master's degree in Educational Leadership and has spent the last four years as a school administrator, including previously three impactful years at Copper Basin. Mrs. Jackson's approach to leadership is centered on relationship, building and making meaningful connections with staff, students, and families. She is incredibly proud to be a Dust Devil and is thrilled to return home to Copper Basin for an amazing school year!