Kyrene Teacher Receives Top Honor in State

The Arizona Educational Foundation has announced it’s annual award for The Arizona Teacher of the Year.   Kyrene Elementary School District math coach, Sarah Baird is the state’s honoree for 2009.  

Baird, a National Board Certified teacher since November of 2004, serves as math coach at Kyrene de las Lomas and Kyrene del Milenio in Phoenix.  She has been with the district since August of 1999.  Baird went to Flowing Wells High School in Tucson and is a graduate of Northern Arizona University.

Arizona Teacher of the Year is the only statewide program that spotlights the contributions of Arizona’s teachers. The program annually recognizes five exceptionally skilled and dedicated pre-kindergarten through 12th Grade public school teachers. Nominees are those individuals who have gained the respect and admiration of students, parents, and co-workers. They play an active and useful role in their communities as well as their schools, often distinguishing themselves as leaders. They have a superior ability to help all students achieve.

“Sarah Baird’s passion for math energizes all those around her,” notes Kyrene del Milenio principal, Nancy Branch.  “Ms. Baird is an inspiration to our math students and  teachers!” comments Ev Michell, principal at Kyrene de las Lomas.

Baird will receive $20,000, a laptop from Intel, a full scholarship from Argosy University for a masters or doctorate degree in education, will be entered in the National Teacher of the Year competition and will meet the president of the United States, among other prizes.

Kathy Wiebke, executive director of the Arizona K-12 Center nominated Baird for the Teacher of the Year award.

The Kyrene Elementary School District is an excelling district serving more than 18,000 students in kindergarten through eighth grades at 25 schools. The District’s boundaries encompass parts of Tempe, Guadalupe, Ahwatukee, Chandler and the Gila River Indian Reservation. Kyrene accepts students who do not live within District boundaries through its Open Enrollment Program. To learn more about the Kyrene School District, visit www.kyrene.org or call 480/783-4000.

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