Teacher of the Year

The Teacher of the Year (TOY) program, with the support of the CFSD Foundation, highlights and celebrates the contributions of Catalina Foothills teachers. The program annually recognizes two exceptionally skilled and dedicated teachers from a group of 5 finalists. Nominees are those who have gained the respect and admiration of students, parents and co-workers, and who inspire learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. They play an active and useful role in their communities as well as in their schools, distinguishing themselves as leaders.  

Congratulations to our
2024–25 Teachers of the Year!

2024-2025 Distinguished Educators

About Teacher of the Year

Teachers may be nominated by students, parents, co-workers, and/or administrators, or may self-nominate. To be eligible, nominees must be AZ certified teachers in at least their 5th year of teaching, currently teaching pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 in the Catalina Foothills School District, spend the majority of their day in direct instruction of students, and be in good standing with their school principal and CFSD administration.    

After the nomination period has closed, a list of nominees will be given to principals at each site to determine eligibility. Eligible teachers are then notified that they have been nominated and given the opportunity to apply to become CFSD Teacher of the Year (only teachers who complete the application process will be considered). Applications will be blind-scored on a rubric by a committee consisting of parents from CFSD.  Five finalists will be scheduled for an interview as part of the final selection. The interview team (consisting of community members, CFSD alumni and the previous year winners) will make the final selection. Two Teachers of the Year will be selected, and the remaining three finalists are designated as Distinguished Educators. The Teachers of the Year and the three Distinguished Educators will be honored at their school sites and at the CFSD Foundation’s Teacher of the Year Celebration.