Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) Names Top Five Finalists for the2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year
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PHOENIX, Ariz., August 28, 2025 — The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) is thrilled to announce the Top Five Finalists for the prestigious 2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year Award. Considered the “Academy Award” of teaching, the winning educator enjoys a year of incredible opportunities and becomes Arizona’s candidate for the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Aligning with their commitment to public education, this year marks Desert Financial Credit Union’s sixth consecutive year as the presenting sponsor of the awards ceremony, which will be held on October 18, 2025.
The five finalists (in alphabetical order), known as Ambassadors for Excellence, are:
- 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.
- Tyler Hill (Grade 9 Biology, Grades 10-12 Chemistry), 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.
- Caitlin Reynolds (Grades 9-12, Agricultural Education CTE), Flowing Wells High School, Flowing Wells Unified School District, serving nine years as a teacher.
ACCESS PHOTOS and TEACHER OF THE YEAR MEDIA & PRESS KIT
The grand prize package for the Arizona Teacher of the Year winner, who will be announced live at the 2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year Awards presented by Desert Financial on October 18, includes $15,000 from the Arizona Educational Foundation and travel paid to attend several National Teacher of the Year events including a trip to the White House to meet the U.S. President and a weeklong trip to International Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. They are also considered for an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University and are honored by the Arizona Diamondbacks by throwing out the “first pitch” at a home game.
SEMIFINALISTS: These five individuals, who made up the Top 10, are no longer in the running for Arizona Teacher of the Year, however, they are incredible educators and will be celebrated at the awards ceremony.
- Becky Hill (Grade 2, General Education), Anza Trail School, Sahuarita United School District, serving 10 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.
Each of the Top 10 candidates receive the following from AEF’s generous partners: an iPad from Desert Financial Credit Union; complimentary access to SRSD Online Partners professional development course for self-regulated strategy development writing instruction, Writing to Learn™, along with expert mentorship and live Zoom support; scholarships from the Arizona K12 Center to pursue National Board Certification; on-field recognition during the Fiesta Bowl from Fiesta Sports Foundation; the opportunity to ride on the APS fire engine during the Fiesta Bowl Parade; and professional speech and media training to help deliver presentations during their year of recognition.
Desert Financial will also honor the Top Five Finalists with a complimentary Estate Planning Package (valued at $1,700).
“The Arizona Teacher of the Year program is now in its 42nd year,” said AEF CEO Kim Graham. “Our continued ability to recognize the incredible work of these educators and allow Arizona to compete on a national level, is only possible because of the generous support of our donors and partners. This is a night like no other, and it energizes the entire educational community!”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHAT: The 2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year Awards presented by Desert Financial
WHEN: October 18, 2025, Cocktail Reception: 4-5:30 p.m. Awards: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, 85016
TICKETS: azedfoundation.org/teachersrock
HONORABLE MENTIONS: These five individuals are quarterfinalists, who made up the Top 15. Although they are no longer in the running for Arizona Teacher of the Year, these incredible educators and will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and tickets to attend the “2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year Awards presented by Desert Financial Credit Union” where they will be recognized and celebrated.
- 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.
- Saul “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.
About Desert Financial Credit Union
Celebrating 86 years in Arizona, Desert Financial is the state’s most trusted local credit union with over $8 billion in assets, more than 400,000 members, and more than 50 branches. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2025, members received $16 million in dividends via the Member Giveback Bonus. Desert Financial is the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University®. Federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at desertfinancial.com.
About Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF)
The mission of AEF is to celebrate excellence and cultivate opportunity in PreK-12th grade Arizona public education. In addition to the Arizona Teacher of the Year® program, AEF also coordinates the Arizona State Spelling Bee, the A+ School of Excellence® Award, the Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona, teachSTEM, Spheres of Industry, and Take Your Legislator to School. AEF was founded in 1983, by then State Superintendent of Public Education, Carolyn Warner, who felt a nonprofit needed to be established to champion public education and recognize the great work of public school educators. AEF annually reaches over 570,000 students, teachers, and administrators throughout Arizona.