Susan Yates has spent 44 years in education, having earned a bachelor's degree in secondary English and a master's degree in library science from the University of Wisconsin. She has served as a school librarian, district media coordinator, and both a teacher and director in at-risk student programs. After moving to Payson in 2014, Susan became a substitute teacher where she ultimately filled five long-term positions at the high school. She went on to teach high school English full-time for two years before finally taking on her current role, paraprofessional, in 2021. She has always enjoyed working with students, particularly encouraging each person’s self-esteem and desire to learn.