Arizona Educational Foundation Announces Candidates for 2010 Arizona Teacher of the Year

PHOENIX - October 1, 2009 - The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) has announced 10 finalists for the 2010 Arizona Teacher of the Year program.

From this group of 10, five teachers were named semi-finalists and are not in contention for the title. The remaining five have been named 2010 Ambassadors for Excellence. After an extensive review, one Ambassador for Excellence will be named the Teacher of the Year.

AEF will announce this year's winner during the 2010 Arizona Teacher of the Year Luncheon at the Camelback Inn on Thursday, Nov. 5. The program is made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Wells Fargo.

"Arizona's teachers devote their lives to helping young people become good citizens, and they make an impact far beyond the classroom," said Pam Conboy, regional president for Wells Fargo. "Our wonderful teachers help our young people live enlightened and productive lives."

AEF's 2010 Ambassadors for Excellence include:

• Donna Moore, Physical Education, Julia Randall Elementary School, Payson;
• Cynthia Rolewski, Technology/Reading, La Cima Middle School, Tucson, Amphitheater District;
• Barbara Tingle, Kindergarten, Sahuarita Primary School, Sahuarita;
• Jamie Valderrama, Biology, Higley High School, Gilbert, Higley Unified District;
• Joy Weiss, 1st Grade, Balsz Elementary School, Phoenix.

AEF's Arizona Teacher of the Year semi-finalists are:

• Karen Brown, Gifted Specialist, North Ranch Elementary School, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley District;
• Katherine Burgess, 3rd Grade Teacher, Holmes Elementary School, Mesa;
• Beth Malapanes, Librarian, Canyon del Oro High School, Oro Valley, Amphitheater District;
• K.R. Scott, US Government/US and World History/Geography Teacher, Mountain Pointe High School, Phoenix, Tempe Union High School District;
• Sandee Trevino, Mathematics, Buena High School, Sierra Vista.

The 2010 Arizona Teacher of the Year will receive a $20,000-cash reward, a laptop from Intel Corporation, a chance to compete for the honor of National Teacher of the Year, a trip to space camp in Huntsville, Ala., the honor of meeting the President of the United States, a full scholarship to Argosy University, professional speech training as well as a host of other valuable awards and recognitions.

AEF's four remaining Ambassadors for Excellence will serve as spokespersons for their profession, advocating for excellence in the classroom by making presentations statewide to education, civic, government and professional organizations. In addition, each Ambassador receives a $5,000-cash reward, a laptop from Intel Corporation, professional speech training, and a scholarship from Argosy University for 50-percent of the tuition towards a master's or doctorate in education. The five Semi-Finalists each receive $1,000.

AEF's Teacher of the Year program is the only statewide program spotlighting the contributions of Arizona's teachers. Students, parents and communities across Arizona were encouraged to nominate a teacher of excellence for this year's award. Presenting sponsor of the Teacher of the Year Program is Wells Fargo in collaboration with The Arizona Republic, Intel Corporation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, SRP, and the Whiteman Foundation. For more information on AEF's Teacher of the Year program, please visit www.azedfoundation.org.

About Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF)
Founded in 1983, the Arizona Educational Foundation's mission is to foster excellence in education by funding programs that enhance the capabilities of Arizona's public schools. AEF's results-driven approach brings leaders in education and business together in a joint partnership that promotes and celebrates exceptional students, teachers and schools. Its specialized approach recognizes excellence in education while also providing a framework for the continued success of Arizona schools including: strengthening the teaching profession, designing high quality curricula, stimulating student achievement and celebrating the successes in preschool through 12th grade. For more information, visit www.azedfoundation.org or call (480) 421-9376.