Graduates of Northern Arizona University continue to make up the Rodel Exemplary Teachers roster. Nearly half of the 2015 finalists earned bachelor’s or master\u2019s degrees at NAU, including four of the winners.<\/p>\n
Rodel Exemplary Teachers are selected from primary schools serving high-needs students in Coconino, Maricopa and Pima counties. The winners each receive a $5,000 savings bond and spend several years mentoring Rodel Promising Student Teachers.<\/p>\n
One of this year\u2019s exemplary teachers is Katrina Collins<\/strong>, a first-grade teacher at Flagstaff\u2019s Kinsey Elementary School, who said being recognized for doing work she loves is icing on the cake. \u201cNorthern Arizona University prepared me to be the type of teacher I am today, especially faculty members Melissa Settle, Liz Taylor,<\/strong> and Deb Heim-Martinez<\/strong>.\u201d Collins said people in the education community continually support her as a teacher.<\/p>\n \u201cNAU is the premier institution in the state and graduates many of the teachers who go on to serve the students of Arizona,\u201d said Ramona Mellott<\/strong>, dean of the College of Education, the state\u2019s only institution meeting National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education standards. \u201cWe are proud to serve the residents of Arizona by providing high-quality teachers to prepare the future leaders of Arizona.\u201d<\/p>\n Mellott said NAU\u2019s partnership with the Rodel Foundation fosters student success because the program inspires current student teachers to be outstanding educators. In addition to honoring exemplary teachers, the Rodel Foundation\u2019s mentoring initiatives emphasize shadowing and training for teachers and principals.<\/p>\n Listed below are the Rodel Exemplary Teachers for 2015, degree earned from NAU, grade taught and city in which they work:<\/p>\n Brittany Betterton<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>master\u2019s in early childhood education, kindergarten, Tucson<\/p>\n Rebecca Cardon<\/span><\/a>, bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s in education, third grade, Flagstaff<\/p>\n Katrina Collins<\/span><\/a>, bachelor\u2019s in early childhood education, first grade, Flagstaff<\/p>\n Jennifer Hollenbeck<\/span><\/a>, master\u2019s in educational leadership, second grade, Phoenix<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Four teachers with ties to NAU also named among the finalists for the award are:<\/p>\n Jessica Austin<\/span><\/a>, master\u2019s in educational leadership, fifth grade, Phoenix<\/p>\n Carrie Jenkins<\/span><\/a>, bachelor’s in elementary education and master\u2019s in science teaching, seventh grade, Flagstaff<\/p>\n Jennifer Perkins<\/span><\/a>, master\u2019s in elementary education, first grade, Phoenix<\/p>\n Melissa White<\/span>,<\/a> master\u2019s in educational leadership, seventh grade, Avondale<\/p>\n See the full list of this year\u2019s 20 finalists\u00a0here<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"