SEMIFINALISTS

Name: District: Yuma District One School: Alice Byrne Elementary Grade/Subject: Fifth Hometown and state: Yuma, Ariz. Years in education: 14 Quote: “Over the last 10 years our free and reduced lunch population has gone from 52 percent to almost 65 percent. During this time, Chris’s scores have stayed constant; he can work with the most difficult students and see results. … I cannot say enough about this quiet, unassuming gentleman who goes about the task of educating our youth with a heavy agenda and a soft hand.” — Juli Peach, principal

JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Name: District: Crane Elementary School District School: Centennial Middle School Grade/Subject: 7th and 8th Grade - Reading, Writing, ELL Hometown and state: West Covina, Calif. Years in education: 17 Quote: “Mrs. Cervantes has an amazing gift of including, encouraging, teaching special needs students, English as a Second Language students, as well as regular education students in her 8th grade language arts classroom. She offers tutoring at lunches and after school for students who need it. She is in contact with parents to work together to help her students.” — Helen Coffeen, principal

Name: District: Yuma Elementary School District One School: Castle Dome Middle School Grade/Subject: Music: Brass Techniques, Woodwind Techniques, Percussion, Advanced Band, Jazz Band, General Music, Drumline, Chamber Music Hometown and state: Yuma, Ariz. Years in education: 6 Quote: “Passion defines Sam . ... He loves the experience and the impact of music and sound on lives. As the first formal instrumental teacher the children in Castle Dome community, his role has been self-defined by creating a ‘why’ for and with children. Setting high expectations, celebrating success, eliminating barriers and devoting time and expertise has created a band program illuminated by ‘passion.’ The pride evoked in students, parents and our community at large through student growth via the avenue of music is not quantitative (unless you count the number of exceptional students from Castle Dome represented in honor bands, art camps, summer camps and academies, which by the way is over 90% acceptance) but qualitatively shared in success stories, sources of pride and the description of Mr. Guerrero being the students ‘ACE.’” — Lori Sheffield, principal

Name: District: Somerton Elementary School District School: Somerton Middle School Grade/Subject: 8th grade/Social studies Hometown and state: Somerton, Ariz. Years in education: 16 Quote: “She uses creativity and a variety of strategies to help grab and hold students attention for increased participation in classroom activities. Mrs. Martinez understands the importance of integrating knowledge and inquiry with different instructional strategies and strives to meet her students’ diverse needs. Her students get excited to be in the classroom and speak highly of the learning that takes place everyday.” — Principal Elizabeth Garza

HIGH SCHOOL

Name: District: Yuma Union High School District School: Gila Ridge High School Grade/Subject: 9th-12th Physical Education/Unified Sports, Physical Training, Wilderness Survival Hometown and state: Yuma, Ariz. Years in education: 9 Quote: “He puts forth tremendous effort and energy and is someone who makes education meaningful for his students and the athletes he coaches. He is always willing to work with other teachers to do what is best for them, he spends a great deal of time preparing lessons that will benefit the students, and works endlessly to ensure that his students succeed not only in his classroom but in their other classes as well.” — Shawn Wehrer, principal

Name: District: Yuma Union High School District School: San Luis High School Grade/Subject: 9th grade/English and AVID Hometown and state: San Luis, Ariz. Years in education: 3 Quote: “Mr. Huerta knows the importance of focusing on the process of learning, rather than simply the content to be learned. He genuinely believes in every student and their ability to not simply succeed, but to excel and perform at the highest level possible. He understands the awesome responsibility that comes with being a teacher and works hard to bring his absolute best each day. Mr. Huerta is in his element. He has a natural aptitude to teach. That, coupled with his obvious passion for student learning, makes him a true champion for the students of the Yuma Union High School District.” — Tamara Ray, principal

Name: District: Yuma Union High School District School: San Luis High School Grade/Subject: 9th - 12th/World History and AP US History Hometown and state: Stevens Point, Wis. Years in education: 7 Quote: “She understands that our students cannot afford for the adults in their lives to have bad days. As a result, Mrs. Jacobson taps into her professional and personal toolbox and finds ways to engage and challenge students at every turn. The only reason she can do this is because she takes the time to learn about her students and their interests and passions….

Her popularity amongst students is because she is relevant to them and articulates her ongoing belief in every student…. She has the rare magic that so many teachers and students long for.” — Tamara Ray, principal

K-6 SPECIAL AREA

Name: District: Yuma Elementary School District One School: McGraw Elementary Grade/Subject: K-5/Physical Education, RTI Hometown and state: Yuma, Ariz. Years in education: 32 Quote: “Ms. Conway is a dedicated individual who cares deeply about her students. As a music teacher, Ms. Conway has high expectations of all her students and is always looking for ways to maximize their individual abilities. She carefully plans her lessons and prides herself on creating thriving environments for the students in her classroom. It is not uncommon to see Ms. Conway organizing events and different athletic groups to involve the students.” — Adar Garcia, principal

Name: District: Somerton Elementary School District School: Orange Grove Elementary Grade/Subject: Preschool Special Education Hometown and state: San Luis, Ariz. Years in education: 10 Quote: “She genuinely cares for each child and goes ‘the extra mile’ to ensure their success: socially, emotionally, and academically. Mrs. Rouse is Special Education (Severe and Profound)-Early Childhood certified. She uses her expertise with Preschool special needs students. I think she must have a little “magic fairy dust” because she can make unbelievable progress with her students. Some students come not speaking and shy. Her love, encouragement, and enthusiasm soon bring them out of their shell and feeling confident to try anything!” — Kim Seh, principal

Name: District: Somerton District School: Valle Del Encanto Grade/Subject: K-5/Physical Education Hometown and state: Somerton, Ariz. Years in education: 12

Quote: “Ms. Luz Rubio does not work or serve for awards or accolades, but simply works every day to inspire and impact all those students that she comes in contact with each day…. She keenly remembers that though she teaches numerous grade levels, she is teaching children academically with love, acceptance, and grace. While remaining current with the latest strategies and technologies, she can still reach a troubled or struggling student with simple, yet profound, caring instinct and empathy coupled with complete professionalism. Ms. Luz Rubio always wears a smile and maintains a positive attitude that reminds the rest of us that the storms of life can often produce beautiful rainbows and new growth if we are persistent and focused in life.” — Luciano O. Munoz, principal

FIRST YEAR NOMINEES

(All are considered finalists) Yuma High School Salida del

HL Suverkrup Elementary Somerton MS Castle Dome MS Gila Vista JHS Cibola High School Rancho Viejo Elementary Antelope High School Ron Watson MS Centennial MS San Luis HS Gary Knox Elementary Sunrise Elementary Valley Horizon Vista High School Kofa HS Gila Ridge HS Roosevelt Elementary Alice Byrne Gowan Science Academy Tierra del Sol