Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/348932
18 Fall 2014 x AEA Advocate eSprofessional ESP Action Be sure to check out these other stories for more opportunities to get involved and take action. 6 Legislative Victories 12 AEA Introduces New Executive Director 19 Arizona Primary Election 2014 ESPecially for Kids Award Winner Diana Tolton From day one, Diana has been passionate about working with the youth in Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) and giving them the tools to be successful in school. Diana is currently working under the Student Equity and Intervention Department with Native American Student Services as a Tutor Advisor. Through respect and her willingness to help the students, she has earned the trust of the Native American community and the families she works with. Diana believes it's important for her students to be involved with their community through events and activities that connect them to their roots. Diana is an active participant in the Native American Youth Advisory Board, an organization that provides opportunities to learn about Native American culture with field trips. She volunteers on the reservation and at Native American events and help with fundraising in order to promote leadership skills. In addition to her work in schools throughout the school district, Diana takes the time to travel outside the district to learn about the local tribes through various workshops and events. Diana's enthusiasm and joy of teaching math can be seen in her one-on-one work with students, but even more so in the work she does outside her job description to aid students in learning this subject matter. Diana gives up her Saturdays to transport whole families, who do not have the means on their own, to district tutoring days so students in need can receive extra help. She also volunteers her time to the local library every week so kids can get specific math tutoring if they are unable to get it at school. You will frequently find her at Reading Seed, selecting culturally relevant books to give to her students so they can improve their skills at home. Diana has a BS in Economics from Oklahoma State University, where she also pursued an MBA until she made the decision to move to Arizona and pursue an advanced degree in statistics at the University of Arizona. She is University High School Foundation and Alumni Association Board member, Eastern Region TUSD Boundaries Committee member, and served as chair of the Tucson Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee. Diana is always looking out for others and contributes to her community in many ways. When she found out about a family living in horrible conditions with an unresponsive building manager, Diana used her expertise as a realtor and her knowledge of legal documents to assist the family and other residents exercise their rights. She has been continuously working and volunteering her time in support of local businesses, alternative energy, and fitness. It is an honor for the AEA to present Diana Tolton with the 2014 ESPecially for Kids Award for the amazing job she does every day for her students and community. 2