Higley Unified School District recently honored Teachers of the Year, singling out one educator from each of its 10 schools for outstanding performance. Here's a rundown on the winners.
A coach in the gifted program at San Tan Elementary School for the past five years, Lopez was cited for her effectiveness in increasing achievement levels of gifted students through her work with her students as well as other teachers.
"She knows how to get students motivated and activated to improve instruction," said Principal Maureen Migacz.
A kindergarten teacher at Power Ranch Elementary for eight years, Markosian won praise for her attention to data to elevate grade-level gains in reading.
"Susie is a team leader and mentor for new teachers at Power Ranch," said Principal Dawne Turcotte,"She is an advocate for her students and colleagues."
A math teacher the past three years at Williams Field High, Butson earned praise for coaching track, football, and basketball while tutoring athletes and non-athletes. He developed curriculum maps for the district, and teaches Advanced Placement calculus.
"He demonstrates professionalism, knowledge, passion and charisma for teaching," said Principal Kathy Vogt. "He has the ability to reach students who have struggled with math and help them find success."
Meyers, a K-5 music teacher at Gateway Pointe Elementary, was cited for her work with students as well as other music teachers in the district. Principal Susan Powell said Meyers leaves students "better prepared for middle school band," and has worked extensively in learning and implementing new music education technology in the school.
"She is committed to developing a love of music and learning in each student," Powell said.
A career and technical education teacher the past seven years at Higley High, Nuttall was praised for his work with video production, which has become one of the school's most popular electives and has led to state and national honors for some students. Among his accomplishments is a twice-weekly report to the student body on school activities that Principal Larry Rother called "extraordinary and highly entertaining."
"Mr. Nuttall is an integrative teacher who can tap into his students' individual strengths to challenge them to meet and exceed the highest standards," Rother said.
A seventh- and eighth-grade social-studies teacher at Higley Elementary and Middle School, Osborne won praise for his "spirited classroom discussions" and integration of teaching maps and technology into his work.
"Because of his excellent teaching, the students are encouraged to think critically, apply logic, and respect opposing views," said Principal Kathleen Hughes. "Students are active learners, making connections to social studies, and Mr. Osborne makes that learning fun."
Clayton is a literacy coach at Coronado Elementary and is "a leader in looking at assessments, interventions and enrichment opportunities for students," Principal Theodora Schiro said, praising her for elevating student reading levels and scores in all classes.
"Teachers she has coached have developed stronger instructional strategies and are seeing growth in their students' reading scores as well," Schiro said.
A sixth-grade teacher at Centennial Elementary, Witt won praise for tutoring her students after school and introducing new programs like the sixth grade wax museum and the school's first science camp. She has helped organize assistance programs for needy families at the school during holidays and other times.
"Mrs. Witt's students are successful," said Principal Debbie Ybarro. "They have increased their depth of writing skills and have created beautiful pieces. Her students' performance is not at grade level, it is above grade level."
A first-grade teacher at Chaparral Elementary, MacRobbie was praised for her work in coordinating the school's holiday Jingle Jog, working with the literacy committee, and her work in using fine art to augment her teaching.
"She researches regularly to find new and innovative ways to reach all students," said Principal Jessica Edgar. "She is mindful of brain-based learning and incorporates this theory into her lessons. . . . She uses data effectively to guide her instruction."
A second-grade teacher at Cortina Elementary, Bodnar was praised for the high number of students who performed above average on standardized tests.
"Cheryl Bodnar is an exceptional teacher who inspires her students to achieve at high levels of learning," said Principal Cort Monroe. "She is both a loving and challenging educator, always getting the most out of her students that she cares about so dearly."