Fountain Hills High School teacher, Sierra Anway, has been named the Four Peaks Rotary Club Teacher of the Month for February, 2019.

Input from local principals helps the Four Peaks Rotary Club recognize teachers on a monthly basis throughout the school year. In addition to the recognition, the club provides a $250 check for the teacher’s use.

The Four Peaks Rotary Club Teacher of the Month demonstrates the following qualities: Has the respect of students, parents, and peers; brings out the best in each student regardless of individual academic ability; is actively involved in providing and promoting high quality educational opportunities for students in Fountain Hills schools.

Dr. Cain Jagodzinski, Principal of Fountain Hills High School, recently shared with the Four Peaks Rotary Club why he nominated Anway as Teacher of the Month.

“Sierra has done an amazing job creating and implementing our cross-categorical special education classroom,” Jagodzinski said. “Her innovative approach has created an apartment-like classroom where students learn daily life skills and independent living strategies.”

Jagodzinski noted that Anway accompanies her students into the community to work at local businesses such as The Hills Pizza, local veterinary clinics and Reigning Grace Ranch.

“She has allowed the students to start their own coffee and tea shop to deliver drinks to staff on Fridays,” Jagodzinski added. “They also recently created tie-dyed shirts that they [sold] at the local art fair…”

Jagodzinski said Anway truly cares for her students and advocates for them daily.

“There are literally too many things to list that define what a great teacher Sierra is,” Jagodzinski added. “She has created a program for students with disabilities that should be modeled by other school districts.”

Four Peaks Rotary Club invites the community to visit fourpeaksrotary.org to learn more about the club’s activities. The club meets the second and fourth Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at Fountain View Village. For further information, contact club president Scott Schlossberg at 480-833-0194 or sschlossberg@farmersagent.com.