Dianne Szonn
On Sept. 9, radio station KNIX and Fulton Homes honored Red Mountain Ranch Elementary School (RMRE) teacher Dianne Szonn as Teacher of the Week.
Representatives from both KNIX and Mesa Public Schools’ EdTV, as well as Parent Teacher Counsel co-chairs Cassie Sterling and Amy Smith, surprised Mrs. Szonn with the award during class.
A Red Mountain Ranch resident, she teaches fifth grade at the school and goes above and beyond to help not only her students, but also all students at RMRE.
“Mrs. Szonn does so much for RMRE that it is unbelievable sometimes,” said Amy Smith. “She truly is deserving of this award.”
Mrs. Szonn is dedicated to improving her school, which she demonstrates in the way she teaches her students and participates in school activities. She takes her responsibilities a step further by handling all of RMRE’s technology updates. She maintains the school’s Web site, which she also designed.
Believing technology should be embraced and used as a learning tool, she often holds education sessions for her coworkers, students and parents, helping them learn how to benefit from the newly purchased Smart boards.
In her spare time, Mrs. Szonn researches new technology service, and even drives to Arizona State University on her personal time to purchase (with PTC monies) gently used computer monitors. Before installing them in the classrooms, she tests the monitors to ensure they work properly for the students.
This year, Mrs. Szonn continues to use her skills for good by heading up RMRE’s new Yearbook Club, even getting Staples to help purchase cameras for the group to use. She, along with one adult volunteer, is working with a group of 25 students to make the Yearbook Club a new tradition at the school.
“Mrs. Szonn is deserving of this honor because she makes RMRE a place of excellent learning,” stated Amy.
Congratulations, Mrs. Szonn, from all of us at Up Close Publications.