Arizona Science Teachers Association, About Us

“A community of learners - Sharing the joys of teaching and learning - Creating and refining a vision of science education - Helping teachers put this vision into practice with their students”

Teacher of the Year Awards

The Science Teacher of the Year Award is given annually by the ASTA to recognize and honor our colleagues who exemplify quality science teaching. The award is presented to one teacher from the elementary level, one from the middle school/junior high level, and one from the high school level at the annual ASTA convention. Nominees must be certified, full-time classroom teachers and current members of ASTA.

An additional award is presented to an outstanding first-year (i.e., rookie) teacher who exhibits exceptional potential for a career of quality science teaching. Nominees for this award must be certified, full-time, first-year teachers at either the elementary, middle school, or high school level and members of ASTA.

To nominate a colleague for any of these awards, please download a nomination form and submit it along with all other required materials to Katy Wilkins at katwilkins@toltec.k12.az.us (or fax 520-466-2399). Nominee applications must be submitted by October 31, 2009. Hurry and make sure that deserving colleagues are recognized for their outstanding work in the classroom.

Past Awardees

2007
Greg Londot (Elementary School)
Ruth Heaton (Middle School)
Sandy Harness (High School)
Brian Kievit (New Science Teacher)

2006
Susan Sain (Elementary School)
Alexia Wacks (Middle School)
No Awardee (High School)
Amanda Grimes (New Science Teacher)

2005
Kathy Foley (Elementary School)
Tammy Naef (Middle School)
Therese Govert (High School)

2004
Beverly Waters (High School)
Linda Coyle (Middle School)

2003
Brenda Penrod (Elementary)
Amy Smith (Middle School)
Eric Bodznick (High School)

2002
Ellie Feldner (Elementary School)
Norris Phelps (Middle School)
Walt Thomas (High School)

2001
Xan Simonson (Middle School)
Kathy Krucker (High School)

2000
Roger Rohrbach (Elementary School)
Bob Cunningham (Middle School)
Larry Deutsche (High School)

1999
Mary Brown (Elementary)
Debra Bjorna (Middle School)
Jan David Snyder (High School)

1998
Richard Rice (Elementary School)

1997
Richard Rice (Elementary School)
Noma Cardiff (Middle School)
Nancy Garavito (High School)

1995
Richard Orvin Hogen (Elementary School)
Dan Barrera (Middle School)
Larry Dukerich (High School)

1994
Joanna Doyle (Elementary School)
Patricia Bayham-Mazier
Kathy Friedman (Junior High School)

1993
Bob Campbell (Elementary School)
William Walther (Middle School)
Ann Justus (High School)

1991
Janet Hoy (Elementary School)
Gloria Joe (Middle School)

1990
Karen Lee (Elementary School)
Lois Ann Rosensweat Rowe (Middle School)
Larry Ladue (High School)

1989
Jackie Cleveland (Elementary School)
Mike Trimble (High School)

1988
Anthony L. Occhiuzzi (High School)

1986
Ann Parra (Elementary School)
Randall Blecha (Middle School)
Ann Justus (High School)

1985
Cheri Balkenbush (Elementary School)
Karen Milne (Middle School)
Dick Dutton (High School)

1984
Phyllis Early (Elementary School)
Brenda Pierce (Middle School)
Malcolm Wells (High School)

1978
Charles Hoyt (High School)

1972
William O’Donald (High School)