Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/610158
WINTER 2015/16 | ADVOCATE 25 Lake Havasu Special Education Teacher Honored by Department of Education Kudos to Lake Havasu Education Association member Marie Timmons, a special education coordinator at Lake Havasu High School, on receiving the Arizona Secondary Transition Services School-Based Award at the Arizona Department of Education 2015 Annual Transition Conference this past fall. AEA Members Receive Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards Congratulations to Osborn Education Association member Michelle Doherty and Dysart Education Association member Xavier Bedolla on being honored by Chicanos Por La Causa with the Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards. Doherty and Bedolla were honored at CPLC's 17th Annual Esperanza Awards. Each teacher recognized overcame various hardships early in life and now provide education, love, and esperanza, to their students. Michelle Doherty grew up in the Golden Gate barrio where she and her family would receive food assistance from CPLC. Although she became pregnant at 16, she completed high school and became the first in her family to obtain a college degree. She has held a variety of roles while teaching in the Osborn School District, where she is widely regarded as the go-to expert, mentor, and friend. Xavier Bedolla was diagnosed with leukemia at age 7. While growing up in the town of El Mirage, he battled the disease and gained a love for giving back to his community. At age 19, he began his work with children at the very school he attended in his youth. He attended night school while working full-time until he earned a teaching degree. He now is an influential teacher making an impact in the lives of students, many who are now the first in their families to attend college. PVHS Science Teacher Wins Top Honor Amber Henry—physics teacher and department leader at Paradise Valley High School—has earned the title of 2015 High School Science Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Science Teachers Association (ASTA). Henry is a member of Paradise Valley Education Association and has been teaching at PV High for the past six years. She was recognized at the ASTA Annual Conference on November 6, 2015. The Science Teacher of the Year Awards are presented by the ASTA to recognize and honor science teachers who have completed three or more years of teaching and who exemplify quality science teaching. One award from each category is presented each year: elementary level (grades K-5th), middle school/ junior high level (grades 6th-8th) and high school level (grades 9th-12th). Fountain Hills Teacher Honored at Governor's Celebration of Innovation Congratulations to Fountain Hills Education Association President Dr. Paul McElligott on being named the Arizona Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Technology Council's annual awards gala, the Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards. McElligott has won numerous state and national awards and recognition, including state Science Teacher of the Year, and has won over $75,000 in cumulative grants in the last five years. He runs numerous clubs, such as robotics, chess club, research, automotive clubs, and Academic Decathlon. He has mentored students in the National Automotive X-Prize, five "World Robotics" competitions, and national science and engineering technology fairs such as the Intel Competition and AAPT International Competition. McElligott is passionate that students experience hands on STEM projects to create their future. Photo and story by PVSchools.net Marie Timmons (second from right) received the School Based Arizona Secondary Transition Services Award and was recognized for her achievement at a school board meeting.