Why Mentors Matter

Teacher Leadership

Teacher Leader Spotlight: Jennifer Sumida, NBCT

Jennifer Sumida, NBCT, teaches third-grade at ASU Preparatory-Poly STEM Academy in Mesa. Sumida embraces possibilities through connections and experiences by reflecting the inquiry and growth mindsets she encourages in her students in her own learning and leading. She greatly values each student’s individuality and the different kinds of leadership each student brings to the classroom.

Teacher Leadership

Teacher Leader Spotlight: Aminah Abdelhaq, NBCT

Aminah Abdelhaq, NBCT, teaches eighth-grade science at Franklin Junior High School in Mesa Public Schools. Abdelhaq embraces possibilities through connections and experiences by creating a classroom community where students are seen, valued, and heard, which allows them to thrive as individuals and in their learning of science.

Teacher Leadership

Teacher Leader Spotlight: Ashley Crose, NBCT

Ashley Crose, NBCT, teaches social studies at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale Unified School District. Crose embraces possibilities through connections and experiences by humanizing history in a classroom driven by inquiry and where students feel comfortable and cared for while discussing difficult material.

Teacher Leadership

Teacher Leader Spotlight: Tania Gray, NBCT

Tania Gray, NBCT, teaches high school English at Lake Havasu High School. Gray embraces possibilities through connections and experiences by welcoming students to a comfortable and caring classroom where her calm approach guides students as they learn English content and make real life connections.

Teacher Leadership

Teacher Leader Spotlight: Danielle Swartz, NBCT

Danielle Swartz, NBCT, is a first-grade STEM teacher in a project-based classroom at Innovation Academy in Amphitheater Public Schools. Swartz embraces possibilities through connections and experiences by making social-emotional learning the foundation of the routines and procedures in her classroom, allowing students to all practice problem solving and goal setting effectively and with compassion.

Teacher Leadership

Teacher Leader Spotlight: Adrian Alvarez

Adrian Alvarez teaches middle and high school science at Grand Canyon School in the Grand Canyon Unified School District. Alvarez embraces curiosity and leadership by joining her students in asking questions about how curriculum connects directly to their lives and environment.