NAU Celebrates 2026 Rural Teacher of the Year Jerald Nez
Holbrook High School mathematics teacher recognized for innovative instruction, student advocacy, and his commitment to rural Arizona education.
Great teaching makes a difference far beyond the classroom—especially in rural communities, where educators often serve as teachers, mentors, advocates, and role models.
That commitment was celebrated on September 25, 2026, when Jerald Nez, mathematics teacher and Math Department Head at Holbrook High School, received the 2026 Arizona Rural Schools Association (ARSA) Rural Teacher of the Year Award.
The award was presented during the ARSA Annual Conference at the High Country Conference Center in Flagstaff, on the campus of Northern Arizona University.
For NAU’s College of Education, the celebration represents more than an annual recognition. The college has sponsored the ARSA Rural Teacher of the Year Award for 30 years, reflecting its longstanding commitment to honoring educators who strengthen rural schools and communities across Arizona.
Jerald Nez receiving the 2026 ARSA Rural Teacher of the Year Award
Recognizing teaching that makes a difference
The ARSA Rural Teacher of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding educator selected from nominees across Arizona whose work makes a meaningful difference in rural communities.
Nez’s recognition highlights the importance of engaging students through innovative instruction, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to helping every learner succeed.
At Holbrook High School, Nez emphasizes hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-world applications of mathematics—approaches that help students connect classroom concepts with their own experiences.
His dedication has earned the admiration of colleagues and district leadership.
Dr. Robert Koerperich, superintendent of Holbrook Unified School District No. 3, praised Nez for his ability to engage students and continuously strengthen his teaching practices.
“Jerald has worked hard to become a high-quality math teacher who actively engages the students he serves through hands-on learning, collaboration, innovation, and practical application of real-world math.”
Koerperich also recognized Nez’s advocacy for Native American students and his commitment to helping them identify pathways to success.
Together, these qualities illustrate the impact an educator can have when effective instruction is paired with a deep understanding of the students and communities they serve.
Thirty years of celebrating rural educators
For three decades, NAU’s College of Education has sponsored the ARSA Rural Teacher of the Year Award, helping recognize teachers whose contributions strengthen Arizona’s rural schools.
The recognition reflects an important part of the college’s mission: supporting educators and educational communities throughout Arizona, including rural and geographically isolated regions.
Rural teachers often work in communities where schools serve as important centers of connection, opportunity, and local identity.
Recognizing their contributions brings attention to the expertise, dedication, and creativity that sustain these schools.
Through its continued partnership with ARSA, the College of Education helps celebrate educators whose work deserves statewide recognition.
Strengthening Arizona education through partnership
The relationship between NAU and the Arizona Rural Schools Association reflects the importance of collaboration between universities and the communities they serve.
NAU’s College of Education prepares future teachers, supports practicing educators, and works with school and community partners across Arizona.
The ARSA Rural Teacher of the Year Award offers an opportunity to recognize the outstanding professionals already serving those communities and to highlight the importance of strong rural education.
Nez’s work at Holbrook High School demonstrates how effective teaching, innovation, and student advocacy come together to create meaningful educational opportunities.
His recognition also reminds aspiring educators that the influence of a teacher can extend well beyond an individual lesson or classroom.
Celebrating educators who inspire
The College of Education congratulates Jerald Nez on being named the 2026 ARSA Rural Teacher of the Year and recognizes his dedication to the students and families of Holbrook High School.
His commitment to engaging mathematics instruction, continuous professional growth, and advocacy for students reflects the qualities that make rural educators essential to their communities.
As NAU celebrates 30 years of sponsoring this award, the college remains committed to recognizing the educators whose work helps Arizona students learn, grow, and succeed.
Learn more about the Arizona Rural Schools Association and the educators making a difference in rural Arizona communities.
Explore the 2026 ARSA Awards Gallery