Arizona Educational Foundation Announces 2027 Arizona Teacher of the Year and Arizona Education Hall of Fame Honorees
Share
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Melissa Kaszuba August 7, 2026 melissa@uriascommunications.com
PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) is proud to announce that Lisa Scott, an 8-grade science teacher at Esmond Station K – 8 in the Vail School District, has been named the 2027 Arizona Teacher of the Year. Selected from a highly competitive pool of 155 outstanding educators from across the state, Scott exemplifies excellence in teaching, leadership, and a deep commitment to student success.
The Arizona Teacher of the Year program honors educators who go above and beyond to inspire students, elevate the teaching profession, and make a lasting impact in their communities. This year’s applicants represented the very best of Arizona’s educators, making the selection process both rigorous and inspiring.
The selected Teacher of the Year will receive a comprehensive award package designed to honor their achievement and elevate their voice as an ambassador for education. This includes a $15,000 cash award, official recognition with a plaque and medal, and the opportunity to represent Arizona at the National Teacher of the Year Program. Additional experiences include training at Google, travel to Washington, D.C., International Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, and national program induction events.
The honoree will also receive unique recognition opportunities such as throwing out the first pitch at an Arizona Diamondbacks game, participating in a Fiesta Bowl Experience Package and parade appearance, and being considered for an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University’s College of Education. Professional growth opportunities include support toward National Board Certification through the AZ K12 Center, as well as speech and media training. Classroom benefits and gifts—including student field trips, technology, and additional sponsor-provided items—round out this impactful award.
“The Arizona Teacher of the Year award is designed to do more than recognize excellence—it elevates the voice of an educator who represents the very best of our profession,” said Kim Graham, CEO of the Arizona Educational Foundation. “Through this comprehensive award package, we are able to honor their impact while also investing in their continued leadership. From national recognition to once-in-a-lifetime experiences and meaningful professional growth opportunities, this program ensures our Teacher of the Year is celebrated, supported, and empowered.”
Support from long-standing partners like Desert Financial Credit Union, who has served as the presenting sponsor of the Arizona Teacher of the Year Awards for the past seven consecutive years, ensures educators receive both recognition and meaningful resources.
“Educators are the foundation of thriving communities, and at Desert Financial, our commitment to teachers is part of who we are,” said Jeff Meshey, President and CEO of Desert Financial. “As an organization founded by educators, supporting the Arizona Teacher of the Year program is a natural extension of our mission. We’re proud to stand alongside educators in the classroom and in their financial journeys as members. These outstanding nominees inspire us, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to recognize their incredible work.”
Arizona Educational Foundation also announced the Arizona Education Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes lifetime achievement honorees and contemporary leaders, reflecting the breadth of impact across decades of service.
The inaugural inductees into the Arizona Education Hall of Fame are:
- Pillar of Public Education Award: Desert Financial Credit Union. Marking 87 years of service to Arizona educators since its founding by Valley teachers in 1939, Desert Financial has invested millions of dollars in support of Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s “One Darn Cool School,” its Adopt-a-Teacher grant program, youth checking accounts, and ongoing sponsorship of the Arizona Teacher of the Year program.
- Spirit of Education Award: SRP. SRP was recognized for its long-standing investment in Arizona classrooms and communities. The nonprofit utility’s contributions include award-winning educational resources and teacher training, classroom grants that offset the cost of school supplies, and millions of dollars in support for Arizona nonprofits — work that has helped generations of students understand the connections between water, energy, and sustainability.
- Education Leader of the Year: Marianne Lescher. A 45-year veteran of public education as both teacher and principal, Lescher is the only Arizona principal to hold the A+ School of Excellence Award for eight consecutive years. She was named the 2025 National Distinguished Elementary School Principal of the Year, and Kyrene Traditional Academy is a National Blue Ribbon School.
- Carolyn Warner Legacy Award: Michelle Bugh Doherty. Doherty, the 2017 Arizona Teacher of the Year, is the recipient of the Carolyn Warner Legacy Award, endowed by the Warner family to honor a past Arizona Teacher of the Year who has continued making a difference well beyond their award year. A 35-year classroom veteran, Doherty now coaches and mentors first-year teachers through the Arizona Teachers Academy at the Arizona K12 Center at NAU, and serves on AEF’s board of directors.
- School District Foundation of the Year: Amphi Foundation. The Amphi Foundation, serving Tucson-area students and educators, provides clothing and shoes for students in need, food drives, emergency family funding, scholarships, teacher grants, classroom supplies, and academic programs across the Amphitheater School District.
“The story of public education in Arizona has been written by extraordinary individuals who believed deeply in the power of learning to change lives,” said Kim Graham, CEO of the Arizona Educational Foundation. “AEF was founded by legendary Arizonans Carolyn Warner, Eddie Basha, and Bill Shover, who believed in the power of public education to transform lives. The Arizona Education Hall of Fame ensures those stories are never lost. It’s about honoring the shoulders we stand on—and inspiring the next generation of educators and leaders to carry that legacy forward.”
For more information about the Arizona Teacher of the Year program or Arizona Education Hall of Fame, please visit https://azedfoundation.org/
About AEF
Since 1983, the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) has been at the frontlines of Arizona’s PreK–12 public education system celebrating excellence and addressing persistent challenges facing schools, educators, and students. Founded by former Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Warner, AEF is the state’s only education foundation charged with elevating Arizona education by showcasing schools and educators that exemplify best practices and to confront issues facing schools and educators. As such, our 11 statewide initiatives serve as beneficial interventions that help increase academic opportunities for schools, build leadership pipelines, support teacher retention, and expand opportunities for students and districts who too often go without. Public education is the heart of a community, and AEF remains focused on ensuring every student, in every community, has access to the resources, educators, and opportunities required to succeed. For more information visit www.azedfoundation.org or email info@azedfoundation.org.
About Desert Financial Credit Union
For over 85 years, Desert Financial has been Arizona’s most trusted local credit union with over $9 billion in assets, 480,000+ members and over 50 branches. Membership eligibility is open across Arizona with contactless solutions making it easy to click, call or come in. 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® and the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals, NAU Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association. Federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at desertfinancial.com.