Arizona Rural Schools Association Announces 2026 Arizona Rural Teachers of Distinction

July 03, 2026

The Arizona Rural Schools Association (ARSA) is proud to announce the 2026 Arizona Rural Teachers of Distinction, recognizing twelve exceptional educators who have been selected as finalists for the Arizona Rural Teacher of the Year award. These outstanding teachers were chosen from a highly competitive field of nominations representing rural schools and communities across Arizona. The Arizona Rural Teacher of the Year program honors educators who exemplify excellence in teaching, leadership, innovation, and service to students, schools, and their communities.

The following educators have been named 2026 Arizona Rural Teachers of Distinction:

  • Adrian Alvarez – Grand Canyon Unified School District, Coconino County
  • Travis Black – Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education (VACTE), Yavapai County
  • Logan Brumm – Flagstaff Unified School District, Coconino County
  • Jennifer Chavez – Morenci Unified School District, Greenlee County
  • Patricia Cossey – Seligman Unified School District, Yavapai County
  • Kevin English – Williams Unified School District #2, Coconino County
  • Zoraina Gonzales – Mohave Valley Elementary School District, Mohave County
  • Jennelyn Aviles – McNary Elementary School District, Apache County
  • Jerald Nez – Holbrook Unified School District #3, Navajo County
  • Jessica Paz – Holbrook Unified School District #3, Navajo County
  • Moniqa Raval Marino – Salome Consolidated Elementary School District, La Paz County
  • Amanda Wallace – Southwest Technical Education District of Yuma (STEDY), Yuma County

The selection process included a review of each candidate's teaching practices, instructional excellence, leadership, professional growth, and commitment to engaging families and strengthening their communities. These teachers represent the very best of Arizona's rural schools and demonstrate the impact that outstanding teachers have on student achievement and the future of their communities.

The Arizona Rural Teacher of the Year will be announced during the ARSA Annual Conference, held September 24–26, 2026, at the High Country Conference Center in Flagstaff. The recipient will receive a $1,000 cash award, recognition at the ARSA Awards Dinner, travel and registration to represent Arizona at the National Rural Education Association Conference, and will serve as Arizona's nominee for the National Rural Teacher of the Year award.

The Arizona Rural Schools Association extends its sincere congratulations to each of the 2026 Arizona Rural Teachers of Distinction. Their passion for teaching, dedication to students, and commitment to strengthening rural education continue to make a lasting difference in schools and communities throughout Arizona.

For more information about the Arizona Rural Schools Association and the Arizona Rural Teacher of the Year program, please visit www.azruralschools.org.
 

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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.