Erik Von Burg. Photo by Erin Martinelli-O’Shea.
Teachers from Mesa Public Schools touch the lives of more than 63,000 students in 82 schools every day.
They encourage students to strive for excellence, to become well-rounded individuals and make a difference in the world. Ask educators why they chose teaching as a profession, and they will reveal not for fame and glory, but for the opportunity to motivate each student.
Celebrating Teachers of the Year
Mesa Public Schools teachers are recognized by professional organizations and revered by the local business community. Here is a snapshot of teacher accolades for their contributions to education.
Nancie Lindblom, 2012 Arizona Teacher of the Year, inspires her Skyline High School Advanced Placement students daily by bringing United States history to life.
Amanda Grimes, the Bioscience Educator of the Year award recipient, applies scientific concepts to open up a world of possibilities to her Biotechnology Academy students at Mesa High School.
Arizona native, Reta Yanik, teaches agricultural science at Westwood High School to more than 150 students. From animal science to biotechnology classes, this 2013 Arizona Agriculture Teacher of the Year is dedicated to her student’s desire to learn about agriculture.
Recognizing the importance of developing complex problem-solving skills, Arizona Science Teacher of the Year, Erik Von Burg, implemented the Gateway to Technology middle school engineering program to prepare his Carson Junior High School students for future careers.
Community support
The business community acknowledges exceptionally talented teachers in a variety of ways.
Our Arizona Cardinals selected Wendy Lathrope, special education kindergarten and first-grade teacher, as an Arizona Cardinals MVP in the Classroom. The Sousa Elementary School teacher received an Arizona Cardinals Jersey, a $500 DonorsChose.org gift card, and was honored during pregame festivities.
Office Max estimates teachers spend $1,000 on classroom supplies every year, and they provide support to teachers through the A Day Made Better campaign. A total of three Mesa Public Schools teachers were awarded the Office Max prize. Bethany Tanner, fourth-grade teacher at Stevenson Elementary School; Elaine Neely-Veatch, fifth-grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary School; and Carol Woods, second-grade teacher at Entz Elementary School, were all surprised with a certificate of appreciation and classroom supplies and equipment valued at $1,000.
Horne Kia named Gretchen Rodeffer, Red Mountain Ranch Elementary School first-grade teacher, a Horne’s Hero for making a difference in education. She was showcased in a testimonial video celebrating her merit on Horne Kia’s and Arizona State (ASU) University Athletics Web sites. Gretchen will be presented with tickets for her class to an ASU baseball game, where she will be honored. In addition, she is in the running for the grand prize—a one-year lease on a 2014 Horne Kia.
The outpouring of teacher recognition for a job well done is always appreciated. At the end of the day, however, teachers will tell you it’s about the connection with their students and families, and making a difference in their lives. “I live for when students have one of those aha moments when they finally understand a concept,” said Kelvin Einspahr, math teacher at Red Mountain High School.