Phoenix, Ariz. (November 19, 2018) – Arizona’s public charter school movement is approaching its 25th year of providing high-quality educational options to the state’s students. Charter students have outperformed their peers on the state’s AzMERIT test for four years in a row and outpaced the gains of their state-level peers on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in 2017. Arizona’s charter sector also led the state in the percentage of A-and B-rated schools for the second year in a row.
Our charter teachers, schools, leaders and supporters serve as the main catalysts for this success. The Association is proud to celebrate these success stories through our 2018 Charter Awards, highlighting outstanding examples of public charter school excellence in teaching, academic leadership and school-wide success.
We will honor our winners and finalist at a ceremony on Dec. 5 at the Hotel Palomar in downtown Phoenix.
2018 Charter School of the Year –
ASU Prep Poly STEM Academy, an A-rated charter school serving 686 students on the ASU Polytechnic campus in Mesa. ASU Prep Poly STEM Academy is a consistently excelling, A-rated public charter school that succeeds in educating all children, regardless of background. The STEM Academy on the ASU Polytechnic campus prepares students to partner with ASU researchers to develop real-world solutions to solve issues and create a better world. Students gain hands-on experience, which is helping to establish a strong STEM pipeline of future graduates and ultimately science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals. The school provides a comprehensive leadership and character-building program built into its rigorous academic curriculum. ASU Prep Poly STEM Academy opened in 2007.
2018 Charter Teacher of the Year –
Dr. John Rosinbum, AP U.S. History and AP Research teacher at BASIS Tucson North, a 5-12 public charter school serving more than 1,000 students in Tucson. John supports students in a multitude of ways to exceed their own expectations, and also goes to great lengths to incorporate primary sources that bring history alive within his classroom. He is extremely reflective and intentional with every aspect of his teaching craft, reviewing student results and making adjustments: day-to-day, unit-to-unit, and year-to-year. John is responsive to his students’ needs, and a strong pillar of the school community, whether that means serving as a subject adviser for the entire BASIS network, or organizing the annual “senior tricycle race” as a part of spirit week. He has taught at BASIS for about six years and had prior teaching experience during his doctoral studies at ASU and substitute teaching in Oregon. No matter the topic, John can engage students in a civil discussion and challenge students to see events from other perspectives.
Runner-Up: Kristen Kauffman, high school English teacher at Tri-City College Prep High School, a 9-12 public charter school serving 224 students in Prescott. Kristen establishes a classroom culture that is based on respect and learning, and has a passion that is unmatched. She achieves great results with her students in the classroom, and also volunteers her time with various outreach organizations in the community, including Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month). Kristen is also a member of the National Council of Teachers of English.
For media inquiries, please contact Jamar Younger, jamar@azcharters.org or 602-802-5516.
