ArizonaLEND trainee, Mark Marcos, EdD, BCSE, is a Special Education teacher on the Tohono O’odham Nation in Sells, Arizona. He first began his teaching career in the Philippines nine years ago where he served in Last Mile Schools. Last Mile Schools are located in geographically isolated or remote areas, as Dr. Marcos can attest, “reaching my students was not always easy—there were days I crossed rivers on a bicycle, rode a carabao cart, or walked barefoot just to get to the classroom” — experiences he says "shaped my resilience and deepened my commitment to education and to the students who depend on it the most."
ID: A group of players—wearing matching blue “Babiquivari Warriors” jerseys—are posing together with medals around their necks, suggesting they’ve just competed in (and likely done well at) a tournament. They’re holding a large banner that reads “Babiquivari Warriors – Sells, Arizona,” along with words like “Skill • Courage • Share,” which aligns with the values of the Special Olympics—also visible on the backdrop behind them.
ArizonaLEND trainee, Mark Marcos, EdD, BCSE, is a Special Education teacher on the Tohono O’odham Nation in Sells, Arizona. He first began his teaching career in the Philippines nine years ago where he served in Last Mile Schools. Last Mile Schools are located in geographically isolated or remote areas, as Dr. Marcos can attest, “reaching my students was not always easy—there were days I crossed rivers on a bicycle, rode a carabao cart, or walked barefoot just to get to the classroom” — experiences he says "shaped my resilience and deepened my commitment to education and to the students who depend on it the most." When he moved to the U.S. he started teaching 6th grade. He has now been working in Special Education for the last two years and says it has transformed his purpose as an educator. “It reminds me every day that teaching is not just about instruction, but about advocacy, patience, and believing in every student’s potential regardless of their challenges.”
When asked about his ArizonaLEND experience, "it strengthened my connection with families, especially in rural communities, and opened my eyes to the importance of listening to their stories, understanding their realities, and working alongside them as true partners," he reflected. The program also shifted something fundamental in how he sees his role as an educator. "Before, my goal was to win, but now in the field of special education, my goal is to empower my students. They are my pride and my greatest accomplishments."
That perspective was something Dr. Marcos wanted to share with his fellow LEND trainees. Having spoken throughout the program’s seminars about life and work on the reservation, he organized a site visit to Sells so trainees could experience it firsthand. He coordinated with community partners including the Tohono O'odham Special Needs Department and Vocational Rehabilitation to showcase not only the systems supporting the Nation's students, but the people and relationships behind the work. "I wanted trainees to see and feel the reality of working in a rural and Indigenous community — something that cannot be fully understood through textbooks alone. It is about relationships, culture, and trust."
In addition to his role as an educator, Dr. Marcos is the Head of Delegation for the Baboquivari Warriors, one of the teams that compete in Special Olympics. In this role he organizes events, supports athletes and families, and promotes inclusive opportunities for all students. Recently, several of his students earned Bronze Medals in both Area and State Unified Basketball Games. “I was not just proud—I was overwhelmed with joy seeing them recognized for their hard work, resilience, and courage. It was never just about the medal—it was about inclusion, opportunity, and being seen, valued, and treated as equal,” Dr. Marcos shared. A month after Special Olympics, two of his students were also recognized in the fields of Athletics and Art at the 2026 Arizona Council for Exceptional Children State Conference.
Dr. Marcos embodies the spirit of ArizonaLEND’ s mission to improve the lives of children with disabilities, "At the end of the day, my goal is simple but meaningful — to create a safe and inclusive space where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. I want them to know that their story matters, their voice matters, and their future matters."
Caption: Baboquivari Warriors Basketball team after they won Bronze in both Area and State Unified Basketball at Special Olympics February 2026. Dr. Marcos is seen kneeling in front of Baboquivari Warriors sign giving thumbs up.
