For the past 20 years, Lyons Central School District Reading Interventionist Tracy Mares has helped generations of students discover confidence through reading while creating a classroom environment built on trust, encouragement, and compassion.
Mares’ love for reading began at a young age, growing up in a family that valued books and learning. Although she originally pursued a degree in Health Science and spent several years living in California, her path eventually led her back home to New York, where raising her four sons and volunteering in classrooms helped her realize education was her true passion.
After returning to school to earn her Master’s degree in Education and Literacy from Nazareth University, Mares joined Lyons Elementary School, where she found not only a career, but a second family. Alongside her work as a reading interventionist, she spent years teaching summer school and helping with the L.Y.O.N.S. after-school program, creating engaging activities such as the Kindness Rock Garden that reminded students that learning can be fun.
Throughout her career, Mares focused on helping students feel safe, supported, and capable. She believes that strong relationships are the key to learning and takes pride in helping students build confidence as readers and individuals. One of her favorite moments was watching a student who once struggled with reading become confident enough to read aloud and participate in school musicals.
When reflecting on her time at Lyons, Mares says she is most proud of the relationships she built with students, staff, and families over the years.
“I always wanted my students to know they mattered,” Mares shared. “That they were special, important, and capable of great things.”
In retirement, Mares looks forward to spending more time with her family and traveling, while carrying with her the lifelong friendships and memories created throughout her years at Lyons CSD.