McDowell Mountain Elementary School teacher Jill Cooper has been named the Four Peaks Rotary Club’s Teacher of the Month for January, 2016.

Input from local principals helps the Rotary Club recognize teachers on a monthly basis throughout the school year. In addition to the recognition, the club provides a $200 check for the teacher’s use.

The Four Peaks Rotary Club Teacher of the Month demonstrates that they have the respect of students, parents and peers; bring out the best in each student regardless of individual academic ability; and are actively involved in providing and promoting high quality educational opportunities for students in Fountain Hills.

Principal Valerie Dehombreux recently shared with Rotary visitors why Cooper was nominated for the recognition.

“Mrs. Cooper is an outstanding second grade teacher as well as leader among teachers,” Dehombreux said.

“She is enthusiastic and determined about everything she does and has a positive rapport with her students, parents and fellow staff members.”

Dehombreux said that, in Cooper’s classroom, students are continually engaged due to the variety of effective strategies that she utilizes, including visuals, manipulatives and hands-on learning, as well as technology.

Cooper helped organize and continues to lead the school’s robotics program, as well as organize the Junior Achievement program for K-3 classrooms.

“She further contributes to our professional community as an active member of the Curriculum Committee, Student Study Team and Meet and Confer,” Dehombreux continued.

“Furthermore, she often mentors FHHS students interested in education careers as well as actual interns and student teachers from local universities. She is always willing to do whatever she can to guide fellow teachers and future teachers in improving their instruction and has often led MMES’s professional development.”

Four Peaks Rotary invites everyone to learn more about the club by visiting fourpeaksrotary.org. The group meets the second and fourth Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at Fountain View Village.

For further information, contact club President Jay Schlum at 602-301-7855 or Jay@ArizonaLiving.com.