Teachers across the Valley received $1 million to improve their classrooms and curriculums, including nine school teachers in Goodyear, through Fiesta Bowl Charities. 

Each of the Goodyear teachers received a $2,500 grant to be put toward things like updating classroom libraries and games to assist in math instruction.

A total of 400 teachers across the state were presented with grant money as part of the annual Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers Draft Day presented by SRP. 

Below are the classroom wishes being granted to Goodyear teachers through the program:

• Maria Benincasa, a math and science teacher at Michael Anderson Elementary in Goodyear, will purchase manipulatives and games to assist with math instruction.
• Haley Eastham, a second-grade teacher at Verrado Elementary School in Goodyear, will update their classroom library.
• Katie Good, a kindergarten teacher at Belen Soto Elementary School in Goodyear, will purchase hands-on learning tools to support their students.          
• Loren McDaniel, a science teacher at Western Sky Middle School in Goodyear, will purchase headphones for their students.
• Leah Mendoza, a kindergarten teacher at Copper Trails School in Goodyear, will upgrade their classroom library.
• Tina Moriarty, a math teacher at BASIS Goodyear Primary in Goodyear, will provide resources for their classroom including math games and manipulatives.           
• Mark Passiatore, a physical education teacher at Desert Star School in Goodyear, will purchase new equipment for their physical education class.
• Veronica Rodriquez, a fourth-grade teacher at Belen Soto Elementary School in Goodyear, will provide reading resources for their classroom.     
• Jennifer Weddell, a math teacher at Desert Thunder School in Goodyear, will purchase stationary desk bikes and flexible seating for their classroom.

All told, the $1 million in grants will impact nearly 212,000 students across 321 schools and 95 districts.

“Teachers are truly selfless individuals who help shape the futures of our students here in Arizona and we are proud to play a part in supporting our teachers to do more in the classroom for the leaders of tomorrow,” said Randal Norton, Fiesta Bowl Board Chair.