Arizona Teacher of the Year 2017

What makes a good teacher great? Arizona PBS salutes Arizona teachers with its Arizona Teacher of the Year 2017 broadcast Friday, January 20 at 9:00 p.m. This Arizona original production features insights from students and colleagues who explain what makes each of the five award finalists so remarkable.

An Arizona PBS original production made possible by the Friends of Arizona PBS.

The Arizona Teacher of the Year program is a program of the Arizona Educational Foundation and the only statewide program that spotlights the contributions of Arizona’s teachers. The program annually recognizes five exceptionally skilled and dedicated pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public school teachers. Nominees are those individuals who have gained the respect and admiration of students, parents, and co-workers. They play an active and useful role in their communities as well as their schools, often distinguishing themselves as leaders. They have a superior ability to help all students achieve.

2017 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Michelle Doherty
1st Grade Teacher
Encanto Elementary School
Osborn Elementary School District

2017 Ambassadors for Excellence

Chrissy DeBono
2nd – 5th Grade Math Teacher
Cottonwood Elementary School, Tucson
Vail Unified School District

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Lori Lyford
High School Music and Choral Teacher
Chandler High School
Chandler Unified School District

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Jena Phillips
Middle School Science Teacher
Bogle Jr. High School, Chandler
Chandler Unified School District

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Maria Piata
1st Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher
Kyrene del Norte School, Tempe
Kyrene School District

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Congratulations!

-Learn more about education resources specially geared towards K-12 classrooms at azpbs.org/asset.

-Educators can also find more benefits by becoming members of Eight! Explore what discounts for your classroom and professional development opportunities are available.