November 17, 2024
The Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its educators. Numerous teachers have been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Coconino County Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year awards. These nominations highlight the dedication, innovation, and excellence that FUSD educators bring to their classrooms every day, positively impacting students and the community.
This year’s Teacher of the Year nominees represent a diverse group of passionate educators from across the district. From Coconino High School, nominees include Janielle Buckley, Gaby Garcia, Joel Giannola, Molly Johnson, Kelley Smith, and Francy Solarte Soto. DeMiguel Elementary’s Joy Bruner, Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School’s Steven Busby, and Knoles Elementary’s Haven Dubel, Jodi Hunt, and Christine Stoner have also been recognized for their contributions. At Puente de Hózhó Elementary, Lauren Bradshaw, Lani Giessinger, Joe Rauschenbach, and Natalia Reyes-Garcia are among the nominees, along with Samantha Lewis, Brandi Fairbanks, and Laurie Jeffers from Thomas Elementary and Dawn Quamahongnewa from Leupp Elementary.
The Rookie Teacher of the Year category highlights the bright future of education. Five exceptional first-year teachers from FUSD were nominated. These include Ella Stoll from Coconino High School, Anacina Barry from Kinsey Elementary, Lesley Littlefield from Knoles Elementary, and Kristi Marshall and Samantha Lewis from Thomas Elementary.
Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget recently visited schools across the district to personally recognize each nominee for their outstanding contributions. Her visits were a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and dedication of these educators in the presence of their colleagues and students.
The highly anticipated 2025 Teacher of the Year awards ceremony will take place on April 17, 2025, at the High Country Conference Center in Flagstaff. This event will be a special moment to honor the teachers who go above and beyond to inspire, motivate, and support their students. This year’s record-breaking number of nominations highlights the extraordinary talent within FUSD and the profound impact these educators have on students, their families, and the broader community.
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