Today we’d like to introduce you to Maronda Hastie.
Hi Maronda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In a world where standardized tests and data points often define education, Maronda Hastie stands out as a visionary—a teacher who saw the world not as a distraction from learning, but as its richest classroom. For over two decades, this Atlanta-based educator transformed lives not just with equations and lesson plans, but with passports, hiking boots, and a fearless belief that real education happens through experience.
Rooted in Purpose
Maronda’s journey began in a home where books were abundant, and learning was a way of life. Her parents—steadfast believers in education—filled her childhood with science kits, puzzles, and a relentless focus on service. “We didn’t just play,” she says. “We learned. And we gave back.” Summers were spent at youth camps with her sisters, where they eventually became mentors to younger campers. These moments planted early seeds of leadership and compassion—traits that would define her legacy. In school, Maronda’s brilliance was nurtured by remarkable educators. Fourth grade teacher Mr. Elliott Cheely turned lessons into adventures, building model airplanes and diving into science projects. In high school, Mr. Wallace and Mr. Raynard Oliver introduced her to the world of competitive mathematics—leading the Math Team through competitions across Georgia. One of the most formative trips took the team to Savannah and Tybee Island, where competition was paired with exploration: historic walking tours, Georgia’s coastal history, and a deeper sense of what education could truly be.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While attending Savannah State University, where she majored in mathematics and dabbled in marine biology, Maronda suffered a devastating loss—her father passed away during her college years. Despite the pain, she pressed forward, earning her degree with honors and entering the field of education with a sense of mission.
Tragedy struck again years later, with the death of her sister in 2015 and her mother in 2020, both from cancer. “Grief doesn’t end,” she reflects. “But it transforms. I carried them with me into every classroom, every trip, every lesson.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
A Classroom Without Borders
At Dr. Ronald E. McNair High School, Maronda didn’t just teach algebra and geometry—she created gateways. Through clubs like McNair Travel Club, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, and her own business, Passionate Pioneer Travel, she led students on transformational adventures around the globe.
Among the highlights:
🌍 Guatemala – Students helped build eco-friendly Bottle Schools from plastic waste, learning construction, sustainability, and global responsibility.
🌱 Costa Rica – Her students planted trees and learned about environmental preservation in one of the world’s richest ecosystems.
🌲 Camp Toccoa (North Georgia) – Clearing hiking trails, restoring lakes, and building team spirit, students engaged in conservation work close to home.
🏕️ Whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and camping – Adventures that developed leadership, trust, and courage.
🎓 College tours and dance classes – Helping students visualize their futures and express themselves through movement and rhythm.
These weren’t just trips—they were life lessons in action. But organizing them wasn’t always easy. “Some faculty saw field trips as distractions,” Maronda admits. “They didn’t always understand the value of experiential learning. I had to advocate constantly—write grants, explain outcomes, prove that education doesn’t end when you leave the school building.” She proved it time and again.
Accolades and Adventures
Maronda’s passion and impact didn’t go unnoticed. She was named Teacher of the Year not once but twice and honored as a STAR Teacher—an award given to educators who leave a lasting impact on student success.
In 2022, she was selected for the prestigious NOAA Teacher at Sea program. Aboard the NOAA Ship Oregon II, she participated in shark and red snapper surveys in the Gulf of Mexico. Initially nervous about working with sharks, she quickly rose to the challenge—collecting data, tagging species, and collaborating with scientists. Even at sea, she was teaching and broadcasting live to her students, interviewing crew members, and bringing marine biology directly into their classrooms. “It was the perfect blend of everything I love: science, education, and adventure,” she says.
A Lasting Legacy
What sets Maronda Hastie apart isn’t just her credentials—it’s her conviction. She believed deeply that young people, especially those from underserved communities, deserve to see the world, connect with other cultures, and realize their potential beyond the limits of their ZIP code.
Mentored by educators like Mr. Cheely, Mr. Wallace, and Mr. Oliver—and fueled by the memory of her parents and sister—Maronda created a career that didn’t just teach lessons but transformed lives.
“I wanted my students to see themselves in places they never imagined,” she says. “To feel the thrill of discovery, the pride of service, the spark of ambition.”
Because of her, they did. And thanks to her legacy, many more will. She is often quoted saying “Do something amazing every day!”
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Maronda continues to lead student-centered learning experiences through her global and local partnerships. Whether it’s a tree-planting project abroad or an environmental restoration initiative in Georgia, she welcomes partnerships with:
Schools & Teachers looking to organize purposeful travel or field experiences
Nonprofits & Service Organizations wanting to engage youth in hands-on service work
Sponsors or Donors seeking to support experiential learning for underserved students
→ Connect via her blog:
📚 travelersmath.blogspot.com
Maronda works closely with several schools in DeKalb County, Georgia, and is open to partnerships involving:
Guest speaking or mentorship programs
STEM and leadership initiatives
Teacher professional development around experiential learning
Educational consulting and trip planning support
If you’re a teacher, administrator, or nonprofit leader working in DeKalb (or nearby), she’s always open to collaborative programs that enrich students’ lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://travelersmath.blogspot.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionatepioneertravel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maronda.hastie.1/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maronda-hastie-54643b20
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarondaHastie
