Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1472992
AROUND AEA 12 ADVOCATE | SUMMER 2022 2022 Salute to Excellence Winners e AEA Foundation for Teaching & Learning was created in 1997 to advance public education in Arizona. It started with only $3,000 designated for student scholarships. Today, the Foundation has over $1.3 million in assets and has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants throughout Arizona. e AEA Foundation for Teaching & Learning is proud to offer a variety of programs dedicated to elevating the teaching profession; preparing quality educators; contributing to student achievement; encouraging the appreciation for the arts; enriching classroom academics; developing professional leadership; and inspiring innovations in learning. ere are now ten program funds that offer grants to Arizona public school teachers, education support professionals, and students. Christa McAuliffe "I Touch the Future, I Teach" Award Christa McAuliffe was a "practical visionary" who reached for the stars. Since her tragic death in the Challenger crash in 1986, the phrase she coined to describe her profession – "I touch the future, I teach" – lives on in our hearts, inspiring us to give our best. e award AEA named aer Christa McAuliffe goes each year to a teacher like Christa, who inspired those around her, had a sense of humor and optimism, and nurtured curiosity and hope in children. California Casualty omas R. Brown Athletics Grant e Arizona Education Association's endorsed auto and home insurance provider, California Casualty, re-launched its omas R. Brown (TRB) Athletics Grant Program just as student-athletes began the process of safely returning to youth sports in 2021. Public middle and high schools whose sports programs experienced budget restrictions and limited fundraising opportunities were invited to apply for their $1,000 TRB Athletic Grant. AEA Partners in Education Award is award demonstrates the AEA's strong belief in the importance of community support to the success of our public schools. e award honors corporations, local businesses, individuals, or community groups that exhibit exemplary support for local public schools. Human and Civil Rights Award e AEA Human and Civil Rights Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates support of public education, promotes diversity in Association leadership, or leads in the quest for improved human relations and civil rights. Estevan Carreon Glendale Union Education Association Christy Herndon Chandler Education Association Mary Meer, Christmas Angel Program Nominated by Mario Ruiz, Flowing Wells Education Association Robert ames and KJ Naae, Read to a Dog Program Nominated by Deborah Lovio, Flowing Wells Education Association Old Navy at the Tucson Mall, partnership with Laguna Elementary School Nominated by Deborah Lovio, Flowing Wells Education Association Jessica Kitterman Flagstaff Education Association Diversity Grant e AEA Diversity Grant is given to develop or pursue instructional programs or curriculum that promotes diversity, tolerance, and respect for humankind. Jule Abeytia and Danielle VanDerlaske Flowing Wells Education Association AEA Retired Les Reynolds Distinguished Senior Service Award is award acknowledges and honors a member who provides outstanding service to AEA Retired and the communities he or she serves. Ken Freed AEA-Retired