Happy Teacher Appreciation Week 2025!

For Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked you to share the stories of the amazing rural educators in Arizona.

Thank you for the awesome shoutouts! Read more below, and remember that teacher appreciation isn't just limited to one week of the year. You can always reach out to ARSA to shine the spotlight on an outstanding educator. 

Chienna Gelantaga-an - Altar Valley School District

Nominated by: Dr. David Dumon, Superintendent

Ms. Chienna Gelantaga-an joined Robles Elementary last year and has quickly become an essential part of our team. Now serving as the Kinder ELA teacher, she’s making a remarkable impact—82% of our kindergarten students were at grade level for phonics at mid-year, thanks to her hard work and dedication. Ms. Chienna brings warmth, positivity, and a deep commitment to early learning every day. We're proud to recognize her as the Robles All-Star of the Month—thank you for all you do!

Katherine Nicholas - Altar Valley School District

Nominated by: Dr. David Dumon, Superintendent

Katherine Nicholas 6-8 Math Teacher goes above and beyond—as a teacher, mentor, Student Council Co-Sponsor, leadership team member, and Director of our 21st Century program—all while pursuing her Master’s in Educational Leadership. Her impact is felt across AVMS and beyond. Thank you, Mrs. Nicholas, for your dedication and leadership!

Wendy Mattias - Altar Valley School District

Nominated by: Dr. David Dumon, Superintendent

Mrs. Wendy Mattias leads by example—supporting students with kindness, mentoring colleagues, and taking on roles from Student Government to Site-Council Chair. Her commitment to our core values and school community is unmatched. Thank you, Mrs. Mattias, for all you do for AVMS!

Marisa Soto    Altar Valley School District

Nominated by: Dr. David Dumon, Superintendent

Mrs. Marisa Soto is a true ROAR role model. Responsible, Open Minded, Accountable, Respectful.   From supporting new teachers to leading K–2 PLC's and serving on the leadership team, her dedication and expertise shine. She brings innovative, research-based strategies to life and leads with kindness, professionalism, and heart. Thank you, Mrs. Soto, for all you do for Robles!

Heather Andrews - Mountain Institute Career & Technical Education District

Nominated by: Michelle Perey, Director of Programs    

Heather Andrews started and has grown the MICTED Vet Assisting Program over the past two years to a -busting at the seems - waiting list program for Western Yavapai County high school students. She continues to model professionalism and for the second year in a row has 100% of her students passing (and leading the state) in the Technical Skills Assessment. Way to go Vet Assisting! Way to go Ms. Andrews!!!

Pam Kelly - Phoenix Union High School

Nominated by: Catherine Barrett, Co- teacher    

Always coming to work with a smile! Willing to take on those extra minutes during prep hour to ask questions about reading data to support Reader Leaders.