Chandler Rotary club recognizes teachers of the month
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The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes recently presented awards to the Club’s Chandler Unified School District Teachers of the Month.
The award selection is based on teacher’s total years of service in the field of education, examples of how the teacher goes above the normal requirements and enhances student education; the respect shown for the teacher by her or his peers, students, and parents; and the teacher’s involvement in extracurricular activities and service in the community.
A $500 check is awarded to the honored teacher: $200 from the RCSL, $200 from Earnhardt Automotive Center and $100 from Trust Bank.
Haley Elementary School kindergarten teacher Angela Birch was named RCSL January 2023 Teacher of the Month. Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School sixth-grade teacher Emmanuel “Manny” Reyes was named RCSL February 2023 Teacher of the Month.
Prior to coming to CUSD Chandler’s Haley Elementary in 2011, Birch taught first and second grades in the Kyrene School district for nine years. She attended the University of Arizona.
Her nomination submission mentions that her colleagues saying she is a ray of sunshine for her students, parents, and fellow staff members; goes out of her way to try and be at her students’ sporting events or even just be aware of what is happening in their home lives that may impact their learning in the classroom.
Relationships are everything in education and Birch is a master at building strong, meaningful relationships. Her students come back year after year to see her and/or volunteer for her.
This year, Birch has 24 students – she manages big behaviors with positive reinforcement and behavior plans, when necessary, she is differentiating for students at all levels.
Birch is making “morning work” more engaging by introducing learning tubs vs. worksheets so students are actively engaged in play and learning at the same time. Birch is on several committees at Haley including site council and volunteer appreciation, she is the kindergarten team lead, and has incredible communication with her classroom families.
Reyes is a sixth-grade grade teacher CUSD Chandler’s Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School. He teaches math and science and has been a part of Hartford for seven years.
Reyes' nomination submission says he relates so well with students that they are extremely comfortable asking questions. They come in after or before school hours to ask for additional help because they know how much he cares for their well-being and education.
Reyes has high expectations for his students and because of the students’ respect for him, they work hard to meet those expectations. He volunteers often to help with extra duties at Hartford and coaches ninth-grade wrestling at Chandler High School after school hours and on weekends.
He always says that Chandler High wrestling helped him become the person he is today and he wants to give back to students today.
Reyes helps guide new teachers and helping them learn the ins and outs of Hartford and the curriculum.
For more information about RCSL education programs and membership, see sunlakesrotary.net.
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