Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/477223
AEA Advocate | Spring 2015 21 WE ARE AEA! • WE ARE AEA! • WE ARE AEA! • WE ARE AEA! Tucson EA Member Named Teacher of the Year at Governor's Dinner Congratulations to Rebecca Cardon and Marnie Robles who were recently named as two of twelve outstanding Arizona educators honored by the Rodel Foundation of Arizona. These teachers, representing the best in the state, will each be asked to mentor high-potential student teachers from Arizona colleges of education. What sets the Rodel Teacher Initiative apart from typical student teaching programs is that mentor teachers are selected based on their outstanding student achievement in high-need schools, their ability to mentor new teachers, and the recommendation of their principals and Rodel's observation team. This ensures that student teachers are learning from the best. In addition, Rodel provides further training and support to both mentors and student teachers to assure Rodel Graduates start their careers as outstanding educators. Rebecca Cardon is a third-grade teacher at Sturgeon Cromer Elementary in the Flagstaff Unified District. Marnie Robles is a first- grade teacher at Cavett Elementary in the Tucson Unified District. Rodel congratulates all of this year's Exemplary Teachers, finalists, semifinalists, and candidates. Their commitment to educating Arizona's children and driving student achievement has put them at the head of the class among Arizona teachers. For more information about the Rodel Foundation and the Teacher Initiative, visit www.rodelaz.org. n Congratulations to Dr. Andrew Lettes, Ph.D., who was honored as the Arizona Teacher of the Year at the 2014 Governor's Celebration of Innovation awards presented by Avent, Inc., this past November. Dr. Lettes has taught Pubelo High School's Bioscience Program for the last six years. During this time, it has grown from 17 to 128 students for the current school year. Last year 12 students presented their science fair projects at the main STEM competition in the Southern Arizona Region Science and Engineering Fair, SARSEF. Dr. Lettes' students also participate in the HOSA competitions for future health professionals. Fountain Hills EA president Paul McElligott and Mesa EA member Michael Drobitsky were also honored at the event. The "Teacher of the Year" award winners were evaluated and chosen by a selection committee independent of the Council including members of the Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA). ACESA supports, promotes and coordinates programs and activities of the engineering and science associations within the state of Arizona through facilitated communication and leadership. This annual awards gala is held by the Arizona Technology Council in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority to honor technology leaders and innovators from across the state. The event attracts more than 1,000 attendees each year for a night of networking, food, and entertainment. "Every year the Arizona technology community gathers for an unforgettable evening to recognize the significant contributions our innovators make to strengthen Arizona's position as a leader in the technology sector," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. "We're proud to announce this year's finalists and winners and we congratulate them on their achievements." "Innovation is critical to driving growth in the technology industry and to Arizona's economy as a whole," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. "We congratulate those recognized for seeding new ideas and for the role they have played in strengthening our state's global competitiveness." n Two AEA Members Named 2015 Rodel Teachers