Arizona’s 2015 Teacher of the Year is John-David Bowman, who hails from Westwood High School, where he has been an educator for eight years.
This exceptional educator teaches International Baccalaureate (IB) Theory of Knowledge, IB History of the Americas and Advanced Placement U.S. History. He is following in the footsteps of one of his mentors, Nancie Lindblom, the 2013 Teacher of the Year who teaches at Skyline High School.
“It was an honor to be nominated, and definitely a surreal moment when my name was called,” John-David admitted. He is clear about at least one issue he wants to address. “I would like to continue to help pre-service teachers at Arizona State University get excited about the teaching profession,” he said.
John-David speaks highly of the staff at Westwood High School, praising them for their dedication to the students and for working tirelessly for the benefit of the students. “Any success I have had is attributed to them,” he stated humbly.
John-David became a teacher to influence lives. ”It is a rare profession that allows me to have an impact on hundreds of people a year.” His students are inspired by his work ethic, as well as his dedication to helping them understand and apply material they are learning. In addition, he is an advocate for the students in his classroom. When he is not teaching, John-David is busy running, reading and enjoying sports.
John-David received this prestigious award at the Arizona Education Foundation ceremony this past November. He will serve as an ambassador of education for Arizona, and is a candidate for National Teacher of the Year honors to be held at the White House this spring. He also will meet President Obama. “My goal is not to make a fool of myself,” he said.
Congratulations, John-David, on being Arizona’s 2015 Teacher of the Year.
For more information on Arizona Teacher of the Year, please visit www.azedfoundation.org.