In a time of continuous budget cuts, changing standards and assessments, there is one aspect in education that is not fleeting — the value of a highly effective teacher.
An effective teacher makes a world of difference in high-poverty schools where students and families have fewer resources and often face more challenges in their home lives.
Three Tucson educators who have made a deliberate choice to teach in high-needs schools are being recognized for their ability to help students achieve at high levels.
Brittany Betterton of Elvira Elementary School, Brianna Maxwell of Laguna Elementary School and Marnie Robles of Cavett Elementary School have all been named 2015 Rodel Exemplary Teacher finalists.
The Arizona Daily Star will reveal the winners — who will get the opportunity to mentor three Rodel Promising Student Teachers and receive a $2,500 reward — in the coming days.
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By pairing the exemplary teachers with aspiring educators, the Rodel Foundation of Arizona is working to create a pipeline of effective educators to serve Arizona children.
“Arizona students need effective teachers in the classroom beginning on day one,” said Howard Paley, Rodel’s chief operating officer. “By ensuring our student teachers are mentored by some of the very best teachers in Arizona we can accomplish just that.”
The finalists were selected through a nomination process in which principals were asked to identify a teacher “they would like to clone.” Student achievement data was analyzed and semifinalists were interviewed and observed before reaching the finalist level.
Five semifinalists were identified in Pima County before it was narrowed down to three. There are 20 finalists across the state vying for the title of Rodel Exemplary Teacher.
Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at ahuicochea@tucson.com or 573-4175.
On Twitter @AlexisHuicochea
Alexis Huicochea
Team leader
