NAU alumni named exemplary teachers

Theresa Graves

Eleven Northern Arizona University graduates were among the state’s 25 teachers recently selected by the Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona for their outstanding work in the classroom.

The Rodel Exemplary Teacher Initiative recognizes teachers in high-need schools in Coconino, Maricopa and Pima counties each year. Fifteen of the 25 finalists receive a $10,000 savings bond and appointment to supervise and mentor six Rodel Promising Student Teachers for the next three years. The remaining 10 finalists receive a $1,000 savings bond.

Seven of the 15 finalists earned degrees from NAU.

Through the College of Education’s partnership with Rodel, one NAU student is placed with each of Flagstaff’s Rodel teachers per semester. And because the university has 25 to 30 applicants each semester, the Rodel Foundation currently allows NAU students to apply for placement in Maricopa County.

“It is an honor to have NAU graduates recognized as exemplary educators,” said Gypsy Denzine, dean of the College of Education. “And the university’s partnership with Rodel sets our students up for future success by pairing them with the best teachers in the state.”

Listed below are the Rodel Exemplary Teachers for 2012, degree earned from NAU and city in which they work:

Theresa Graves, master’s, Avondale
Kris Holt, master’s, Tucson
Laurie Jeffers, bachelor’s, Flagstaff
Sal Mancilla, master’s, Phoenix
Scott Thompson, master’s, Phoenix
Dora Saldamando, master’s, Tucson
Michelle Novelli, bachelor’s and master’s, Flagstaff

Additional finalist teachers are:

Kathryn Cartier, bachelor’s, Phoenix
Nicole Clark, master’s, Paradise Valley
Christine Harrington, master’s, Phoenix
Kathryn Hazelton, bachelor’s and master’s, Flagstaff

Read more about all of the teachers here.