Arizona Rural Schools Association Announces our Ten Arizona Rural Teachers of Distinction
The Arizona Rural Schools Association (ARSA) is proud to announce the Arizona Rural Teachers of Distinction who are being considered for the 2025 ARSA Teacher of the Year award. These exceptional educators have been selected from a highly competitive pool of candidates representing rural schools across Arizona. The Teacher of the Year award recognizes educators who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, innovation, and dedication to their students and communities.
The following outstanding individuals have been named as the ten Arizona Rural Teachers of Distinction.
- Patricia Messner - Pearce Unified School District, Cochise County
- Raichel Nutt - Lake Havasu Unified School District, Mohave County
- Kelli Lambrecht - Palo Verde School District, Maricopa County
- Kenneth Craig Evins - Colorado River Union High School District, Mohave County
- Cheryl Carlson - Holbrook Unified School District, Navajo County
- Ida Carpenter- Show Low Unified School District, Navajo County
- David Huggins - Mohave Valley Elementary School District, Mohave County
- Brooke Curtis -Mohawk Valley School District, Yuma County
The selection process for these teachers involved rigorous evaluation of the candidates' teaching practices, leadership qualities, community involvement, and their ability to inspire and motivate students. Each teacher of distinction has proven to be an invaluable asset to their school, empowering their students to achieve academic success and personal growth.
The winner of the ARSA Teacher of the Year award will be announced during the ARSA Annual Conference, to be held September 17-19 in Flagstaff at High Country Conference Center. The winner will be nominated as Arizona’s representative for National Rural Teacher of the Year.
The Arizona Rural Schools Association extends its heartfelt congratulations to each of the Teachers of Distinction for their exceptional achievements. Their dedication and commitment to rural education have made a significant difference in the lives of countless students and communities across Arizona.
For more information about the Arizona Rural Schools Association and the Teacher of the Year award, please visit https://www.azruralschools.org/conference.
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About Arizona Rural Schools Association (ARSA):
The Arizona Rural Schools Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for rural education in Arizona. ARSA serves as a voice for rural schools, providing resources, professional development opportunities, and networking platforms to promote excellence in rural education.