Teachers have a huge impact on every child's life. I have to give teachers a lot of credit for putting in long hours and putting up with a lot of issues solely to benefit us- the students. My math teacher, Mr. Vogl is so entertaining that he is able to take a complex and relatively dull topic, such as calculus, and make it enjoyable; in fact, he makes learning so enjoyable that what we learn sticks.

His wacky, fun and cool personality makes class interesting. It is not to say that we do not have to work hard and the class is all fun and games. In Mr. Vogl's class we work, and we work very hard on the great deal of homework that is given. However, in my mind, Mr. Vogl has accomplished one of the hardest things for a teacher to do, he has made learning fun.

Thank you Mr. Vogl, and thank you to the rest of the teachers in Arizona who continue to dedicate their time and efforts to educating Arizona's students. 

There are two teachers who stand out in my mind and it is in part because of them that I applied myself in challenging classes and have recently received scholarships for college. Ms. Kohli, an AP Biology teacher, takes teaching beyond the level of passion...it is almost her hobby. She makes sure we are up to date on the most recent research and she continues to search for better ways to describe the material. Overall, her passion for teaching this course is "something else" and inspires her students to excel academically.

It was through Ms. King's involvement with the Robotics team, that I learned the meaning and importance of education. Ms. King not only linked the skills learned in the Robotics Club to those used to manufacture cars, but she also showed each member a level of dedication that is unmatched. During the Robotics World Championship competition this year, Ms. King sent me a text with a strategy for a particularly challenging match. I think this was the moment she was the most proud of us, and the moment I realized how dedicated she was to our team. Although we had come up with the same strategy she texted us, most likely because of her great prior instruction, she could have easily enjoyed the match in the stands, but instead she continued to try to figure out the next step and to determine how she could make this experience more meaningful to us.

Thank you Ms. Kohli and Ms. King!

PAEMST Awardees and Finalists Honored at April State Board Meeting

Each year, the President of the United States recognizes outstanding mathematics and science  teachers by bestowing upon them the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). These awards demonstrate the value and appreciation the nation has for the teaching profession.

The awardees selected for this honor are a premier group of highly qualified teachers who have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in these areas. Collectively, they reflect the expertise and dedication of our nation's teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement.

Do you know an outstanding teacher or administrator serving grades K-5 who deserves recognition for their exceptional educational talent? If so, we invite you to submit a recommendation for ADE's 2014 Educator Talent Pool, which is designed to help the Department build a cadre of distinguished teachers and principals.

If chosen for the talent pool, educators will be considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces and as candidates for special recognition programs.

To access this year's recommendation form and submission guidelines, please visit the ADE Educator Talent Pool webpage or contact program coordinator Karla Bravo at Karla.Bravo@azed.gov.

An exciting opportunity for all Arizona teachers, ADE's 2014 Teachers' Institute is tailored to the needs of both general education and special education teachers. This two-day conference will feature nationally recognized educator Dr. Anita Archer, author of Explicit Instruction-Effective and Efficient Teaching, and Dr. Richard Villa, author of over a hundred articles and book chapters regarding inclusive education, differentiated instruction, and collaborative planning.

The Institute will also feature presentations from prominent local Arizona general and special education  teachers who will highlight methods and strategies found to be effective in Arizona schools. Breakout sessions will be pertinent to both general education and special education teachers, as well as cover topics specific to certain special education populations.

Chipotle

Save some room for more Mexican food after Cinco de Mayo, because Chipotle Mexican Grill is offering educators a buy-one, get-one-free deal on the next day. The promo, valid Tuesday from 4 p.m. to closing time, includes burritos, bowls, salads and tacos. The offer isn't valid for catered orders. Orders can't be placed online or via mobile of fax. There's a limit of one item per staff ID shown.

McDonald's

Teachers in Arizona are welcome to visit McDonald's restaurants on Tuesday to receive a free extra value meal. The first 100 teachers to visit each participating McDonald's will also receive a free Small McCafe Beverage Keytag, redeemable until Aug. 31. The deal is valid from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Applebee's

Whether you're still employed or retired, Applebee's is offering all current and former educators in Arizona a free meal at participating locations. Freebie meal items up for grabs include: three-cheese chicken penne, bacon cheeseburgers, chicken tenders platters, fiesta lime chicken, chicken fajita rollup and oriental salad. The offer is valid for dine-in customers only. Beverages and tips aren't included.

Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A is giving away its famous chicken sandwiches at participating locations this Tuesday in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

Educator's visiting Jo-Ann Fabric locations can sign up for a Teachers Rewards Discount Card, which comes with a bonus 20 percent off coupon. The card not only allows teachers to receive a discount on their holiday purchase during teacher's week but also offers savings on future purchases made in-store.

Office Depot

By signing up with Office Depot's free Star Teachers reward program, there are a bevy of deals educators will receive. Not only does the membership include free gift with any $10 purchase but teachers will also get an instant 20 percent discount (up to $20).

Michaels

Every trip to Michaels craft store can result in savings for teachers. While some exclusions do apply, a 15 percent off coupon is available to use during each visit, not just Teacher Appreciation Day, when purchasing products designed for the classroom.

New York & Co.

Treat yourself to some new work clothes on Tuesday, by taking advantage of New York & Co.'s 30 percent off coupon for teachers and nurses. The offer, valid until Wednesday, is good for in-store and online purchases. (Online shoppers must use the code 1810 to receive this deal.)

The Limited

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