AEF Announces Candidates for the 2026 AEF Arizona Teacher of the Year
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PHOENIX, Ariz., July 31, 2025 — The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) is thrilled to announce the 15 educators who will be celebrated this fall at the 2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year Awards, sponsored for the sixth consecutive year by Desert Financial Credit Union.
Considered the “Oscars” of education, this program recognizes outstanding teachers and their incredible contributions to public education. At the awards ceremony on October 18, 2025, one educator will be crowned the Arizona Teacher of the Year and will go on to represent our state in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
A total of 215 teachers from across the state were nominated for this prestigious award. An independent panel of past award winners and community members narrowed the candidates down to 15 quarterfinalists. The 10 teachers with the highest scores after the application round now move on as semifinalists. The remaining five quarterfinalists are recognized as “Honorable Mentions” and are no longer under consideration for the award this year; however, they receive an automatic nomination next year. All 15 educators will be celebrated at the Arizona Teacher of the Year Awards on October 18, 2025.
The Top 15 Candidates for 2026 AEF Arizona Teacher of the Year are as follows:
SEMIFINALISTS: These 10 individuals are candidates for the Arizona Teacher of the Year Award. They move on to a semifinal round that includes an in-person interview with the selection committee, a lesson demonstration, and an impromptu speech.
- Angelica Abbey (Grade 6, General Education), Frye Elementary, Chandler Unified School District, serving eight years as a teacher.
- Teresa Anthofer (Grades 10 and 12, English), Marana High School, Marana Unified School District, serving 22 years as a teacher.
- Becky Hill (Grade 2, General Education), Anza Trail School, Sahuarita United School District, serving 10 years as a teacher.
- Tyler Hill (Grades 9-12, Science), University High School, Tolleson Union High School District, serving nine years as a teacher.
- Tiffani Jaseph (Grades K-5, Elementary SPED), Copper View Elementary School, Sahuarita United School District, serving 15 years as a teacher.
- Callie Mattus (Grade 2, General Education), Elgin Elementary School, Sonoita Elementary School District, serving nine years as a teacher.
- Cristina Parks (Grades 10-12, Early Childhood & Development/CTE), Cienega High School, Vail Unified School District, serving 22 years as a teacher.
- Rachelle Port (Grades K-5, Music), Mesquite Elementary School, Vail Unified School District, serving 13 years as a teacher.
- Dawn Quamahongnewa (Grade 4, General Education), Leupp Public School, Flagstaff Unified School District, serving 15 years as a teacher.
- Caitlin Reynolds (Grades 9-12, Agricultural Education CTE), Flowing Wells High School, Flowing Wells Unified School District, serving nine years as a teacher.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: These five individuals are quarterfinalists and, although they are no longer in the running for Arizona Teacher of the Year, they will be celebrated at the awards ceremony.
- Lara Cox (Grades K-6, Physical Education), Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary School, Queen Creek Unified School District, serving 18 years as a teacher.
- Mandy Fierro (Grades K-8, STEM), Desert Oasis Elementary School, Tolleson Elementary School District, serving 21 years as a teacher.
- Jennifer Fox (Grade 2, General Education), Hopi Elementary School, Scottsdale Unified School District, serving 21 years as a teacher.
- Benjamin Garland (Grades 9-12, Band), Sahuarita High School, Sahuarita Unified School District, serving 15 years as a teacher.
- Adalin Mena (Grade 6, General Education), Patterson Elementary School, Mesa Public Schools, serving 13 years as a teacher.
AEF has served as the state coordinator for the National Teacher of the Year program since 1983. This program is the highlight of AEF’s mission to celebrate excellence and cultivate opportunity in public schools across the state. Desert Financial, Arizona’s largest local credit union, is a critical partner in this effort and is also committed to honoring educators and supporting education.
“Teachers are the heart of our communities, and at Desert Financial, we never forget that we were founded by educators. Supporting the Arizona Teacher of the Year program is one way we give back to those who give so much” said Jeff Meshey, President and CEO of Desert Financial. “We’re proud to help educators not just in the classroom, but also with their financial well-being as members. These nominees inspire us, and we’re honored to celebrate them.”
Any certified full-time teacher working in an Arizona state-accredited public school or Bureau of Indian Education school is eligible for nomination. Nominations can come from students, colleagues, administrators, family members, friends, or the teachers themselves.
“We are so thankful to have Desert Financial back as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year Awards,”said Kim Graham, AEF’s Chief Executive Officer.“This event is a wonderful opportunity to show our teachers the respect and admiration they deserve.”
Event Details:
Saturday, October 18, 2025: 4-5:30 p.m. Reception; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Awards Ceremony
Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Get tickets at www.azedfoundation.org/teachers rock.