Teacher of the Year semifinalists,

ERNESTINA ESTRADA

District: Gadsden School: Arizona Desert Grade/Subject: 3rd English and math Years in education: 13 Quote: “Mrs. Estrada has demonstrated numerous strengths that make her an extraordinary teacher. She is zealous with her work, optimistic, and reliable. Mrs. Estrada has ongoing communication with educators and parents; she provides both parents and teachers with recommendations to help students improve skills in academic areas.” — Lizette Esparza, principal

WENDY ESPINOZA

District: Crane School: Rancho Viejo Elementary

Grade/Subject: 6th grade selfcontained classroom Years in education: 2 Quote: “Miss Espinoza excels in all areas of the teaching profession. She is passionate about her work and is an advocate for the students in her class, her grade, and our school. Her work ethic is beyond compare, often working with her team well into the evenings. She tutors after school and has volunteered to tutor without pay. She is eager to attend various training including out-oftown professional development. She builds relationships with her students, seeks out mentoring and always strives to learn.”— Cindy Hookstra, principal

MARELIS RIVERA

District: Yuma Union School: Yuma High Grade/Subject: 9-12 Science, AP Chemistry & Biology and IGCSE Biology Years in education: 7 Quote: “(Ms. Rivera) is a spirited person who understands the importance of her goals and the hard work and determination needed to attain them . ... She has great rapport with her students and is a leader in the Science Department. Ms. Rivera is a model teacher who supports collaboration and high expectations for her students. She is definitely a valuable asset to Yuma High School. Ms. Rivera continually works to challenge herself for excellence in the classroom and in the community . ... Ms. Rivera is a professional person who brings an unmatched enthusiasm to everything she does in life.” — Steven Anderson, assistant principal

ADDIE SWOPE

District: Yuma District One School: Sunrise Grade/Subject: 1st (selfcontained) Years in education: 10 Quote: “Having had the opportunity to observe Mrs. Swope both formally and informally, I have come away with an appreciation for the tremendous responsibility and commitment she has to her students. She is a true professional who works diligently every day to improve her effectiveness as an educator and her students’ ability to learn. Whether it is through daily instruction, guided practice, or one-on-one conversations, Mrs. Swope seems to find various ways to instill and foster a passion for learning in her students . ... She genuinely cares for all her students and strives on a continuous basis to put them in the best possible position to be successful.” — Rob Monson, principal

JAZMIN MARTINEZ

District: Harvest Prep South School: Harvest Preparatory Academy

Grade/Subject: 6th grade math, math interventions Years in education: 1 Quote: “Ms. Martinez has surpassed all expectations and pre-conceived ideas regarding first year teachers. She has quickly overcome all the challenges a first-year teacher faces such as meeting deadlines, managing a classroom and all the clerical aspects of the job. This has been no easy feat, as Ms. Martinez has devoted long hours before and after work to ensure that she learns the skills necessary to do her job efficiently. Furthermore, Ms. Martinez has worked strenuously to ensure that every single student under her guidance maximizes to his full potential . ... Ms. Martinez is more than just a teacher, she is a mentor, friend and life-long role model for all the students she works with.” — Adelita Espinoza, Instructional Coach

SARAH BERNER

District: Yuma/La Paz Community College District

School: Arizona Western College

Subject: Professor of Agricultural Science

Quote: “Educating people about the growth of food and the science, technology, and the will power that drives the industry is an extraordinary experience. A Chinese proverb states, ‘You give a poor man a fish and you feed him for a day. You teach him to fish and you give him an occupation that will feed him for a lifetime.’ The ability to feed oneself is a survival trait that should be important to everyone and yet most people have very little understanding of the agricultural industry that feeds the world. People need three things to live: shelter, water, and food. I have the opportunity to provide the knowledge that can equip people with at least one of those requirements.”

KARLA YANEZ

District: Gadsden School: Ed Pastor Elementary Grade/Subject: 2nd (selfcontained classroom) Years in education: 12 Quote: “She mentors teachers in lesson planning, best teaching practices and strategies to help improve teacher performance. She is a dedicated and committed employee that is always helping out teachers beyond school hours. She is an essential part of the leadership team, which helps analyze school data, identify and solve school issues based on the school improvement plan, and create action plans to help reach the school goals.” — Maria Camacho, principal

SHELLIE SPRINGBORN

District: Yuma District One School: Woodard Jr. High Grade/Subject: 6-8 Art Years in education: 16 Quote: “(Ms. Springborn) is also viewed within the community as one who is passionate about positively impacting the young lives of Yuma’s youth via the development of interests in the Fine Arts. ...Recognized for her contagious positive personality, willingness to support those in need, expertise in the classroom, and her quick wit there’s no chance that you’ll miss Ms. Springborn if she’s in the room as people are drawn to her. … Something I’ve not mentioned yet about Ms. Springborn is her ability to see “the big picture.” The current focus of education is deeply entrenched in state test scores, which is important . ... All educators have a hope that their current efforts will have an impact on the future of their students. Ms. Springborn’s years of tireless efforts inside and outside of the classroom has fulfilled that hope amongst her peers and students, past and present.”

— Danny Acosta, principal

CINDY MARCHANT

District: Yuma/La Paz Community College District

School: Arizona Western College Subject: Communications Quote: “Learning should be enjoyable. I believe both the student and the teacher should enjoy the class. I think the classroom environment is key to accomplishing this task. From my experience, when a student learns they have to take a public speaking class, many go straight into panic mode. In my personal life, when I meet new people and I say I teach public speaking, I often hear, ‘I hate public speaking!’ So, there is a negative perception to public speaking, and a lot of fear and apprehension from students going into the course. It is my job to make the students realize that public speaking doesn’t have to be such a negative experience. I incorporate fun examples, and impromptu speeches throughout the class. When a student gives an impromptu speech holding a turkey baster and must explain to the class why it is his or her favorite thing in the world —student barriers tend to go down. I also don’t take myself too seriously, and show the students that it is okay to make mistakes!”

JAN JACKSON

District: Yuma District One School: James B. Rolle Grade/Subject: Music Education K-5 Years in education: 33 Quote: “Mrs. Jackson is an inspiring music educator. She has a passion for integrating the newest ideas with the best instructional practices. She has created a classroom that is truly focused on fostering a love of music and performance. She guides students through the steps of preparing for a musical production and directs exceptional student productions.” — Leeanne Lagunas, principal

VIVIAN KLEE

District: Crane School: Crane Middle School Grade/Subject: English Language Arts (self-contained) Years in education: 38 Quote: “She is a role model; often times, she is the teacher that students go to for advice because of her warm personality and willingness to help any person who needs it. Mrs. Klee always has an inviting smile on her face, and she makes others feel valued when they walk away from a conversation with her. Vivian believes in her students… She makes it a priority to connect and get to know her students. She has coached middle and high school volleyball, and served as student council advisor during her years as an elementary teacher. Vivian believes that being involved with students not only with their classroom learning, but also in extra-curricular activities, helps build relationships with students.” — Josh Topp, Department/Team Lead & Teacher

GLENN HOOKSTRA, PH.D.

District: Arizona Board of Regents

School: Northern Arizona University-Yuma

Subject: Full-time professor in Teacher Education

About: Hookstra teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in teacher education at NAU-Yuma. He received his B.S. in Physical Education and his M.Ed. in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska. He received his Ph.D. in Educational Foundations from Oregon State University. He taught for 12 years for Fort Calhoun Community Schools in Nebraska and for four years at Oregon State University. He has been an Associate Professor at NAU Yuma Branch Campus since 1989 and was Coordinator of Education Programs for NAU-Yuma for eight years. He has taught courses in educational psychology; language arts; reading instruction; elementary, middle, and high school curriculum; and educational research. Dr. Hookstra has a high level of commitment to teaching excellence and consistently receives high ratings for his teaching and strong support for student success.

KENRICK ESCALANTI

District: Somerton School: Desert Sonora Grade/Subject: K-5 physical education

Years in education: 1 (plus 4 years coaching)

Quote: “Students are learning about fitness, health, teamwork communication, and real-life skills that will help students far beyond his class. Mr. Escalanti makes sure that his activities support and extend their learning. He loves what he teaches and it shows by his active participation and positive attitude . ... He participates in the school’s math and reading interventions, and has organized our Jr. Coaches who help supervise games during lunch recess . ... In addition, his effective instructional strategies enhance the learning of all his students.” — Maria Vasquez, principal

AMANDA RAHKOLA

District: Yuma District One School: 4th Avenue Jr. High Grade/Subject: 7th and 8th grade ELA Years in education: 10 Quote: “Since Amanda Rahkola has been at our school, she has developed her teaching to an art. .... She researches and attends trainings to learn new strategies and techniques and then spends countless hours planning and tweaking them to meet the needs of her students. Every day she welcomes those students into her room and makes it a priority to make sure every one of them has what they need to learn. The students know that she expects their best and that she will never give up on them. They love her for it.” — Jose Cazares, principal, Fourth Avenue Junior High

ALEX VALENZUELA

District: Arizona Board of Regents

School: Northern Arizona University-Yuma

Subject: Adjunct Professor in Social Work

About: Valenzuela teaches undergraduate courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work Program at NAU-Yuma, including Crisis Intervention, Policy Practice Skills, Spanish for Social Workers, and Social Work Research Methods. Born and raised in south Yuma County, he has worked in the social service sector for over ten years within the medical health, governmental, and nonprofit sectors. He is currently the Director of Social Services at the San Luis Walk-in Clinic under the Regional Center for Border Health. He was the first social worker to be employed by that agency. In this position, he supervises the Family Care Coordinators and social workers. He received his Bachelor’s of Social Work from NAU and graduated Summa Cum Laude in his Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California.

MCKENZIE MAY

District: Yuma District One School: Sunrise Grade/Subject: Art K-5 Years in education: 1.5 Quote: “One of her greatest strengths is her passion for art. ... Whether it’s use of geometric shapes, teaching specific vocabulary, or introducing students to various cultures around the world, Ms. May goes beyond the scope of the “normal” art curriculum. ...Students respect and admire Ms. May for what she does for them, and in the manner in which she does it. She genuinely cares for all her students and strives on a continuous basis to put them in the best possible position to be successful.” — Rob Monson, principal

JAIME MCGALLIARD

District: Yuma Union School: Gila Ridge Grade/Subject: 9-12 Physical Education, Health and Physical Training for Athletes Years in education: 15 Quote: “She is a relentless worker that puts forth tremendous effort and energy as a classroom teacher and is someone who makes education meaningful for her students and athletes. Mrs. McGalliard is a special teacher who is routinely working on her craft to best prepare students for success….She has worked especially hard integrating our special needs students into PE classes. Her leadership has been exemplary and the teachers she oversees in her department have high praise and respect for her as a leader.” — Derek Bosch, Assistant Principal

LADONNA CRABB

District: Somerton School: Valle del Encanto Grade/Subject: 4th grade Years in education: 10 Quote: “Ms. Crabb’s love for her students is evident as she plans lessons and projects, balancing high expectations with a keen understanding of the developmental needs of her students. The families of her students often comment about the love and dedication that Ms. Crabb demonstrates to the students in her class. As grade-level joint team leader, Ms. Crabb demonstrates resourcefulness and initiative. She always looks for ways to improve her job performance. She streamlined the grade-level assessments to reduce any unnecessary paperwork, which is such a challenge for busy teachers!” — Luciano Munoz, principal

TRICIA ELLSWORTH

District: Yuma Union School: Gila Ridge Grade/Subject: 9-12 Social Studies, AP US History, Academic Decathlon Years in education: 23 Quote: “I have observed Ms. Ellsworth elicit conversation and energy from the most reluctant and shy of students. She teaches students how to work in groups, building students up to be active listeners and respectful classroom members. Ms. Ellsworth inspires her athletes to have high achievement in school and to have honor and ambition on the court. The team GPA for Volleyball the first semester was 3.91, the highest of any sport at Gila Ridge. ...As an instructional leader she goes the extra mile to foster improved teaching throughout her department and to nurture young teachers.”

— Brett Surguine, assistant principal