Sunni Lopez

Congratulations to Sunni Lopez, Pre-K teacher at the Ocotillo Early Learning Center, Sunnyside Unified School District. Sunni is this month's TVT/OfficeMax Teacher Excellence award winner.

Ms. Lopez was nominated by Tia Tsosie-Begay, a parent of one of Sunni's students and a former colleague, who wrote: Ms. Sunni is one of the most caring and dedicated teachers I know. I've worked with her as a colleague and was floored by the classroom she created for her kids. She is knowledgeable about content and early childhood development. Her classroom was so cozy that I decided to enroll my child in her class when she turned four. My daughter adores Ms. Sunni. She says that she likes to sing and read books. And she likes to learn about butterflies. Ms. Sunni always has children at the center of her practice. She is a born teacher.

Kudos to you, Ms. Sunni! Keep up the outstanding work!

Robert Wolf

Congratulations, Robert Wolf, 6th grade math teacher at Amphi Middle School and this month\'s TVT/OfficeMax Teacher Excellence award winner.

Mr. Wolf was nominated by Breanna Peters who wrote: Mr. Wolf is an excellent, creative hands-on teacher who can make the most mundane, boring topic into a fun interactive, engaging lesson. He has high energy, tons of creative ideas and is not content unless he and the students are being active and having fun while learning. His rapport with students is one that makes them want to learn what he is teaching and master it. The 6th graders that are lucky enough to have him will never encounter a dull moment in the classroom. He is a teacher to be looked at by other teachers for classroom management techniques and inspiration when creating/designing lessons.

Mrs. Dianna Benson

Kudos to Dianna Benson, winner of the February 2013 TVT/OfficeMax Teacher Excellence Award. Mrs. Benson is a science teacher at the Sonoran Science Academy.

Mrs. Benson was nominated by two of her colleagues, who wrote in their nominations: Dianna works hard to bring relevance and reality to her science students. Her creative experiments and enduring patience is sometimes overlooked, but not by me. Dianna deserves to be recognized; and also, A visit to Dianna Benson's environmental education room reveals an environment bursting with energy where dynamic teaching takes place. She realizes that children learn science best through hands-on experiences and through nature. With no budget and lots of fund raising she finds opportunities for field trips to power plants, and mining operations. Students even constructed and cook their lunch in a solar oven. She inspires the love of learning. Her sixth grade students put many high school students to shame because she empowers her students to reach for higher expectations. Dianna impacts lives and the world in a positive way.

Congratulations, Dianna! You are an inspiration to us all. Click here to nominate an extra special teacher for the Teacher Excellence Award.

Mr. Charles Kamb

Kudos to Mr. Charles Kamb, winner of the January 2013 TVT/OfficeMax Teacher Excellence Award. Mr. Kamb is a Special Education/Math teacher at Mountain View High School in the Marana Unified School District.

Mr. Kamb was nominated by one of his student's parents, Lorell O'Dell, who wrote in her nomination: Mr. Kamb is not just a high school teacher; he's a Special Education teacher. He's been working with my son, Thomas, both as teacher and IEP case manager for the last 4 years. As Thomas prepares to graduate in the class of 2013, I have to reflect on all of the hard work, dedication, compassion and guidance he's provided to all of us along the way. He's really in it with a heart for the kids. Mr. Kamb is a blessing to all the lives he touches and he truly does make a difference. No one deserves recognition more -- he is indeed a special person and an incredible teacher! 

Congratulations, Charles! You are an inspiration to us all.

Terese Dennison

Congratulations to Terese Dennison, teacher at Green Fields Country Day School. Terese is the winner of the November TVT/OfficeMax Teacher Excellence Award. 

She was nominated by fellow teacher Jennie Uhlmann who wrote in her nomination:   Terese is a dedicated English and History teacher who brings the world to students. Through readings, writings, in-depth discussions and interactive projects, Terese opens students' eyes to the world around them, and gets them to feel what it might be like (or might have been like) to be born in a different place or time.  She is an extraoridinary teacher.

Congratulations, Terese!  You are an inspiration to us all.

Jennifer Pena

Congratulations to Jennifer Pena, winner of the October OfficeMax/TVT Teacher Excellence Award.  Jennifer teaches 4th grade at Tucson Country Day Charter School, and was nominated by Debbie Hvidsten, the grandmother of one of her former students. 

In a great ceremony at the school, Principal Dr. Mark Saliba, had the school do a fire drill so all could come together for the suprise award!  All of the students in his school excecuted a perfect drill, all done in silence, and then cheered wildly when Miss Pena was honored. 

In her winning nomination, Debbie wrote:  Ms. Pena goes above and beyond to make sure all her students feel special.  She is creative and very positive with her students.  Everyone  in her class feels like a star student.  Our grandson went from hating to go to school , making himself sick, to looking forward to going to school and see what adventures lie ahead.  She will be the teacher he remembers when he is an adult.

Congratulations, Miss Pena!!

Dave DeGroot - August 2012 OfficeMax/TVT Teacher Excellence Award

Dave DeGroot, 5th grade teacher at Sahuarita Intermediate School is the winner of the August 2012 OfficeMax/TVT Teacher Excellence Award. Mr. DeGroot was nominated by Julia Cummings, a parent of one of his students. She wrote:

Mr. DeGroot motivates and challenges his students. He has taken them fishing and hiking to get them interested in the outdoors. He has helped my child to get excited about reading and math. He has actually made her want to succeed in school and try her best. He uses everyday items, such as Meals-Ready-to-Eat to teach science and other innovative learning ideas. I strongly value him as an outstanding teacher!

Congratulations Mr. DeGroot, we salute you!

April Teacher Excellence Award Winner

Congratulations to Barbara Tingle, kindergarten teacher at Sahuarita Primary School, winner of this month's Teacher Excellence Award! 

In an amazing surprise presentation, there was dancing, singing and lots of laughter.  No one wanted to leave!

Mrs. Tingle received the most nominations of any teacher. The winning entry came from Shirley Mercier, a parent of one of Mrs. Tingle's students.  She wrote:

Mrs. Tingle uses a calm, consistent, and caring approach to introducing new concepts and to encourage her students to enjoy learning. She gives the children resources and allows them work independently, in groups, and one-on-one with her. She is innovative, has a great understanding of how 5-year-olds learn, and capitalizes on their abilities to help them master the foundational skills they will need to be successful in future educational experiences. She gives children in her classroom the opportunity to be successful while learning a variety of skills from sign language to mad science. Superb teacher!

Congratulations, Mrs. Tingle!

Melinda Hillmer

Congratulations to Melinda Hillmer, this month\'s winner of the Teacher Excellence Award!  Melinda teaches at Khalsa Montessori and was nominated by Dina Scalone-Romero, a parent of one of her students.

Dina often refers to Ms. Hillmer as a \"goddess,\" because of the many gifts she brings to the classroom.  She has been deeply impressed by the kindness, consideration and special touches that Ms. Hillmer brings to the classroom.  And the way in which she made Dina\'s son, who was quite normally scared to start school, which meant spending his days away from his family with a room full of strangers!  Dina\'s son, thanks to Ms. Hillmer\'s skills and kindness, quickly made him feel safe, at home and eager to learn.

Congratulations, Ms. Hilmer!  You are one of so many outstanding teachers in our region and TVT, OfficeMax and UApresents are proud to be able to shine a spotlight on all you do!

Terra Bennett

Congratulations to Terra Bennett, the Teacher Excellence Award winner for December.  Terra was nominated by her husband, Uriah Bennett.  She teaches first grade at Lynn-Urquides Elementary. 

In his winning nomination, Uriah wrote:  \"Terra is my wife so I admit that I might be a tad biased. That being said, I cannot stress enough how great and dedicated a teacher she is.  We are constantly using our own money to make sure her classroom is supplied.  When one of her young students lost his home due to a fire this year, she single-handedly organized a collection drive from friends and family to make sure he and his family had clothes, household items and even toys.  One hundred words are simply not enough to fully detail why she is so great and such an inspiration.

Congratulations, Terra!

Carla Garcia

Congratulations to Carla Garcia, ESL teacher at Amphi High and this month's winner of the TVT/OfficeMax Teacher Excellence Award! Pictured above with Amphi Principal Jon Lansa, Ms. Garcia was surprised in her classroom at a presentation that was also attended by many of her colleages.

Kristen Bettcher nominated her and this is what she said:

Carla Garcia is an outstanding teacher to English Language Learners at Amphi High School. She is an innovative and inspiring teacher who is continually perfecting her curriculum with invigorating concepts and strategies. She motivates students and is personable. Students feel comfortable confiding in her. When asked about Ms. Garcia, a former student said, "She treats us like one of her kids and always helps us." In addition, Carla founded, plans and hosts our yearly Accelerated Reader/ AZELLA Celebration that recognizes our students' achievements. Her students have shown great gains in her reading classes and are excited to attend her classes.

 Congratulations, Carla!

Erin Kearney

Congratulations to this month's Teacher Excellence Award winner Erin Kearney, who teachers 7th grade at Flowing Wells High.

She was a double winner as one of just over 1,000 teachers selected by OfficeMax for special recognition as part of nationwide celebration of teachers on October 4 known as A Day Made Better.

In her nomination,it was noted: "Ms. Kearney is a team player. She has worked tirelessly to expand our after school offerings for students for 2 years. She has worked very hard with her 7th grade team to align the curriculum with AZ State standards. Everyday she is planned organized and constantly thinking of ways to increase student participation in school activities both during and after school. She is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that her students and the 7th grade team are equipped with materials and ready for learning. Ms. Kearney is an Amazing educator who gives of herself daily for our FW community. She is deserving of your companies recognition. Also, she is a FW grad and former FWJH Mustang!"

Congratulations Ms. Kearny!!

Connie Brannock

Congratulations, Connie Brannock, also known as Sgt. B, for winning this month's Teacher Excellence Award!  Connie, who teaches music at The Presidio School, is pictured above with Tammy Strnatka and her daughter who is a student of Sgt. B. Tammy nominated Connie for the award.

Connie received a $100 gift certificate from OfficeMax, flowers, a framed certificate and a bag of goodies presented by Nancy Hoffstein, TVT's partner from Office Max. 

In nominating Connie, Tammy wrote:  "Her enthusiasm and exploding, joyous personality is music in itself.  She goes above and beyond to bring music into the lives of the students. She gave my daughter an electric guitar when she expressed interest in learning. She organizes phenomenal school productions with little or no help from other staff members.  She overcomes obstacles, budget cuts and continues to make music come alive for every child."

Congratulations, Sgt. B!  And kudos also to The Presidio School - an amazing place to learn and work!

David Rutledge

Congratulations to David Rutledge, first-grade teacher at the International School of Tucson (pictured above with Nancy Hoffstein of OfficeMax to his right).  David was nominated by Robert Tomlinson, whose son has been a student of David's.

In his nomination, Mr. Tomlinson wrote:  "David is an exceptionally gifted teacher. He has motivated my son's class to embrace reading and math to levels that I would not have expected in the First Grade. He volunteers his time for after-school sports programs and clubs and really goes the extra mile. The kids adore him and really work for him."

At  the presentation, many of David's students sang his praises.  The influence of David, in the classroom and as a coach, shimmered in the faces and voices of his students. Congratulations, David!

Patti Gloy

Patti Gloy from Sahuarita Middle School is the latest winner of our Teacher Excellence Award!

Patti was nominated by Stephanie Silman, Sahuarita Middle School's principal. She has been teaching for more than 18 years, with 16 of those at the high school level.

In her nomination, Stephanie said, "Patti takes a deep interest in the success of these students, often communicating daily with parents, paying for basic needs that students have, and even offering to take home students' PE clothes to wash when the students don't have the means at home. Patti is a master teacher, consummate professional, and a deserving recipient of the Teacher Excellence Award."

Patti has been overseeing the alternative classroom program at Sahuarita Middle School for the past two years. Prior to coming to Sahuarita, Patti worked in the Vail Unified School District and in schools in Woodbridge and Alexandria, Virginia. She received her master's degree in special education from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

For more information on the Teacher Excellence Award, click here.

Rose Andreacola

Rose Andreacola, Language Arts teacher at the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind in Tucson, is the latest winner of our Teacher Excellence Award!

Rose was nominated by other Language Arts teachers and the Transitions Specialist at the school. She has been teaching for more than 25 years.

At the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind, she has been instrumental in implementing an accelerated reading program for K-12 students. She also helped establish a reading lab program for students and a specific vocabulary program designed for deaf and hard of hearing students.

According to the nominations, “she brings a hands-on enthusiastic teaching approach to teach English and reading skills to our deaf and hard of hearing students.”

For more information on the Teacher Excellence Award, click here.

Kadir Bahar

Kadir Bahar, Math teacher at Sonoran Science Academy in Tucson, is the latest winner of our Teacher Excellence Award! We are extremely proud to honor an educator of his stature.

Two people nominated Kadir and both nominations referred to him as a math hero. After all, he was the only teacher in Arizona to receive the Raytheon Math Hero award in 2009, which is given to deserving teachers who promote math to students in a fun and challenging learning environment.

Kadir has also led a math team to the National MathCounts competition several years in a row! And he is one of a handful of teachers in Arizona to ever receive the Edyth May Sliffe Award, given by the Mathematical Association of America for repeated student success in the subject.

For more information on the Teacher Excellence Award, click here.

Diane Weeks

Diane Weeks, Kindergarten teacher at Richardson Elementary School in Tucson, was honored as the January 2010 recipient of Tucson Values Teachers' Teacher Excellence Award. 

In recognition of her excellence, Diane was nominated by three individuals: Kandy Clinkingbeard, John Pearson, Jr. and Stephanie Pearson.  All three noted her her passion, courage and deeply rooted dedication to the children.

Diane received a bouquet of flowers, balloons and gift certificates from OfficeMax.  This month, Dixon Golf joined in the program and presented a certificate to Mrs. Weeks and a second OfficeMax gift certificate.

For more information on the Teacher Excellence Award, click here.

Diane Schleider

OfficeMax and Tucson Values Teachers are pleased to recognize Diane Schleider, 6th grade teacher at Harelson Elementary in Tucson, with a Teacher Excellence Award. This honor showcases the extraordinary level of excellence and commitment that she demonstrates every day in the classroom.

As the very first recipient of the award, we are especially thrilled to have a teacher of Diane's caliber.  She has set a high bar for future recipients!

Diane was nominated by Colleen Crowninshield, manager of the Pima Association of Governments' Clean Cities Program. Her words best capture the excellence that Diane personifes.

“We were so very blessed to not only to have had Mrs. Schleider for my daughter in 6th grade, but now, our son, in the 6th grade is learning to love reading, learning, and excelling because of one incredible individual: Mrs. Diane Schleider.

Mrs. Schleider treats every student with respect, love and care, making them believe in themselves and helping them to excel as young adults who in turn respect, love and care about their own education, as well as the environment they grow in.

Both my son and daughter said she makes them feel as if they are the only student in class, encouraging them to be the best they can be.  I truly feel Mrs. Schleider is a diamond in the desert; she is a credit to the teaching profession and deserves respect and praise from parents and students for years to come.  Amphi should be very proud to have such an amazing advocate, teacher and mentor for our children.”

Tucson Values Teachers is dedicated to demonstrating to all K-12 teachers that the work they do is highly valued, and that it contributes enormously to the strength and well-being of the Southern Arizona region.  With supporters like OfficeMax, we are pleased to be able to say “thank you” for Diane's excellence and commitment.

For more information on the Teacher Excellence Award, click here.

Kathy Lohse

Kathy Lohse of Borton Primary Magnet School is September\'s Teacher Excellence Award Winner. 

She is a kindergarten-first-grade teacher who has been teaching for nearly 30 years.  Nancy Bissell, a long-time friend and colleague, nominated Kathy.  As Nancy wrote in her nominating email:

Kathy is one of those people who was born to do what she does. Every day she is energized by her kids; she spends her vacation time thinking up new imaginative projects; she never loses patience (in a classroom of 26), never stops encouraging them, loving them, laughing with them, and she has been teaching non-stop for nearly 30 years. She always comes early and stays late, always has time for the stragglers, the lost souls, the shy or scared ones, never plays favorites, gets them all involved in caring for one another, and is a perfect model for the kind of person they could grow up to become.

Congratulations, Kathy!  You are an inspiration to us all.

Molly Renner

Congratulations to Molly Renner of City High School who is November's Teacher Excellence Award winner.

Molly is a 15-year teacher who teaches science at City High School.  Carrie Brennan, a co-founder of City High School, dear friend and strong supporter of Molly, wrote the following nomination:

"Molly is an exemplary science teacher who expects the most out of every student. She has the right combination to help all students rise to her high expectations: she is passionate about teaching and learning; she has strong content knowledge; she creates opportunities for wonder, inquiry, and exploration; and she provides clear structures for success."

Congratulations, Molly!  As the faces of your students revealed at the presentation of the award - you are the best.

Fran Fritton

Congratulations to Fran Fritton, third grade teacher at St. Ambrose Notre Dame Ace Academy - our December recipient of the Teacher Excellence Award!  She was nominated by Jan Knox, a former colleague at St. Ambrose.

Hats off to to Principal Martha Taylor who pulled together a tribute to Fran that included the entire school - and a sign of color and congratulations for Fran.

Fran was also featured on the KVOA Teacher Feature segment in an interview with Martha Vazquez.  The feature was created just for the Teacher Excellence Award program. 

Thanks again and always to OfficeMax for making the program possible.  Nancy Hoffstein brought her daughter, Lindsay, along for the award presentation. 

Congratulations, Fran!  One could see immediately from the faces in her third-grade classroom that Fran is adored.  She is one great teacher - a consensus also shared by her colleagues and administrators.

Patricia Romero

Congratulations to Patricia Romero, 8th grade teacher at Challenger Middle School, who is this month's TVT/OfficeMax Teacher Excellence Award Winner! Nominated by her son Daniel Douriet, Patricia was surprised and moved to tears by the award!

In nominating her, Daniel wrote, "Miss Romero motivates all types of students on another level. She goes over and beyond for her students, getting to work early, staying really late, or during lunch to help students succeed. Miss Romero is on her 14th year of teaching and still has that fire and passion to make a difference in the lives of her students.She's more than a teacher; she's an advisor, mother, and friend. Miss Romero is an excellent teacher and deserves to be recognize."

Congratulations Miss Romero, and thanks to Sunnyside School District for helping us make the presentation so special!

Francine Payne

Congratulations to Francine Payne, 7th Grade Teacher at Corona Foothills Middle School in Corona de Tucson, April's winner of the TVT/OfficeMax Teacher Excellence Award (pictured above with her son, Patrick).

Mrs. Payne was nominated by fellow teacher Danielle Connors who wrote in her winning submission:  Mrs. Payne is constantly and consistently spending all o fher time to come up with the most exciting and innovative lessons that she can for her kids. She keeps them intrigued in what she is teaching by coming up with projects like creating their own product, and using propaganda techniques to sell the product to a panel of judges. Her ideas are always freshand keep the students engaged and on task each and every day.

In a very special celebration, Mrs. Payne's husband and son came to add their support.  Principal Margaret Steuer praised Mrs. Payne, and Ms. Connors created a wonderful tribute with the help of several students.

Congratulations Mrs. Payne!   This is obviously well-deserved recognition for very fine work.

Megan Mize

Congratulations to Megan Mize, third grade teacher at Centennial Elementary School in the Flowing Wells District.  She is this month\'s TVT/OfficeMax Teacher Excellence Award winner.  She was nominated by a parent, Kyrstyn Schuldt who wrote the winning nomination. 

She wrote:  Ms. Mize is a beautiful person inside and out who values education and believes in promoting education and teaching and appreciating each child as an individual. She celebrates her students achievements and every student leaves her classroom with a smile, inspired to learn and be successful. My son has some challenges that she has worked tirelessly on helping him with and has spent hours on the phone with me during her free time to help understand better.

Congratulation, Ms. Mize!  Just seeing you in your classroom it was obvious how respected and adored you are by your students.  Great job.

Kim Far Wins Teacher Excellence Award

Congratulations to Cienega High School Science Teacher Kim Farr, this month's TVT/OfficeMax/UApresents Teacher Excellence Award Winner!  She was nominated by Assistant Principal Geoff Parks, who has known and worked with her for several years. 

Mr. Parks wrote in his winning nomination:  Mrs. Farr is a highly motivated and extremely innovative teacher. She puts the needs of her students and colleagues ahead of her own. Mrs. Farr is constantly volunteering her time and expertise to the benefit of everyone around her. She is the club sponsor for Green Team, head coach for swimming and is the sponsor of both the Science Olympiad and Environthon.  Mrs. Farr has the courage to try new things and has the postitive energy to inspire her students to flourish in a creative setting.  She is a truly amazing teacher and it is my pleasure to nominate her.

Congratulations, Mrs. Farr!