Teacher Initiative
2008 Exemplary Teachers
Teacher Initiative
2008 Exemplary Teachers

Maricopa and Coconino County Rodel Exemplary Teachers

Marcia Beldock

R. E. Simpson School, Alhambra Elementary District
Eighth-grade Math
Read: Every child has a star within

Kasey Boike

Littleton Elementary, Littleton Elementary District
Third Grade
Read: Kids are her motivation

Barbra DeLair

Westwood High School, Mesa Unified District
High School Math
Read: Set a good example for kids

Angela Gomez

Griffith Elementary School, Balsz Elementary District
Third Grade
Read: Learn about children's home culture

Jennifer Kill

Lindbergh Elementary School, Mesa Unified District
Fifth Grade
Read: Every child can be successful

Kamalene Nelson

John Q. Thomas Elementary School, Flagstaff Unified District
Sixth Grade
Read: Help kids find their passion

Christa Prather

Sevilla West School, Alhambra Elementary District
Sixth Grade
Read: Give kids a chance in the world

Kay Storm

Copper Canyon High School, Tolleson Union High School District
High School Math
Read: Being flexible to teach each child

Teresita Valdez

J.B. Sutton Elementary School, Isaac Elementary District
Fourth Grade
Read: Making a difference in kids' lives

Tracey Valenzuela

Flora Thew Elementary School, Tempe School District
First Grade
Read: Making kids productive citizens

Sheryl Wells

W.F. Killip Elementary School, Flagstaff Unified District
First Grade
Read: Children grow at different speeds

Makiko Wojcicki

Wilson Elementary School, Wilson Elementary District
Third Grade
Read: Inspiring kids to believe in themselves

Pima County Rodel Exemplary Teachers

Melanie Derksen

Holaway Elementary School
Fourth grade
Read: She draws inspiration from her fourth-graders

Colleen Frederick

Estes Elementary School
Fourth grade
Read: She finds ways to engage kids and keep their progress on course

Erika Marrufo

Blenman Elementary School
Kindergarten
Read: Her kindergarten lessons connect for lifetime

Demetria Murray

Flowing Wells High School
Geometry and honors geometry
Read: FW geometry teacher wins Rodel

Lucy Popson

Walter Douglas Elementary School
Third grade
Read: Her classroom's a zoo — but a strict one on learning

Maricopa and Coconino County Finalists

Angeles Acosta

Loma Linda Elementary School, Creighton Elementary District
Kindergarten
Read: Teaching kids to be critical thinkers

Mike Laird

Neil V Christensen School, Flagstaff Unified District
Sixth Grade
Read: Help kids be the best they can be

Diane McCarthy

Metro Tech High School, Phoenix Union High School District
High School Math
Read: Inspire teens to realize potential

Teresa McCartney

Lela Alston Elementary, Isaac Elementary District
Second Grade
Read: Encouraging kids to be lifelong learners

Joni McDuffee

Sevilla Primary School, Alhambra Elementary District
First Grade
Read: Make learning fun

Patricia Moreno

South Beaver Elementary School, Flagstaff Unified District
Second Grade
Read: Give kids tiny steps to learn

Michael Roubison

Granada East School, Alhambra Elementary District
Eighth-grade Math
Read: Kids can be smart and cool

Patricia Traughber

Lincoln Elementary School, Mesa Unified District
Fifth Grade
Read: Keeping a positive outlook

Pima County Finalists

Rebecca Carrasco

Los Ranchitos Elementary School
Kindergarten

Kris Holt

Prince Elementary School
Third grade

Jessica Howell

Homer Davis Elementary School
A combination first- and second-grade class.

Gail Murray

Holaway Elementary School
Kindergarten