Rotary Club of Sun Lakes recognizes CUSD teachers

 

The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes presented the Club's September 2022 Teacher of the Month Award to Linda Murphy, Music Teacher at Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Elementary Connect and the October 2022 Teacher of the Month Award to Lindsey Lara, Second Grade Teacher at CUSD Auxier Elementary.

 

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/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 Rotary Club of Sun Lakes, $200 from Earnhardt Automotive Center and $100 from Trust Bank. 

 

Per the nomination documentation, Linda Murphy is not just a music teacher she is music to the souls of this school. She is a community creator which is a crucial need for an online school. She doesn't just teach music; she gets kids and families in clubs and activities after school. She seeks what the students might be missing and finds a way to provide it to them online. On her own time without being paid she has built events that our families are coming together for. She has created craft club, sing along night, talent shows, Art Masterpiece and Ukulele club. These activities serve to build connections among the students and foster collaboration in the classroom. Collaboration in the classroom increases academic output. She was instrumental in coordinating, creating, and scheduling a 'live' music/band/orchestra option for students who might not otherwise get this option because they attend an online school. Teachers on campus are thrilled to work with her because of the opportunities she creates for students.

 

Linda also worked with school staff to create a Patriot Day activity that we all participated in. Linda Murphy is always going above and beyond to make educational and extracurricular activities an option for our students' enrichment.

 

Per the nomination documentation, Lindsey Lara is an exceptional teacher, colleague, and friend. She loves with her whole heart. Lindsey sees the best in all her students. She cares and works hard to build relationships with students and their families. Fellow teachers who work with Lindsey have stated; she buys school supplies for students in need. She has purchased shoes and birthday gifts for students in foster care. She attends her students' extracurricular events on the weekends and has even left a vacation early to show up for a student. She has a positive outlook, is a great team player, and communicates effectively. She is the second grade Team Lead and regularly keeps us in the "know". Lindsey is thoughtful, dependable, and kind. She is an intuitive helper. She is often heard saying, "I've got it!" and quickly fills whatever need she sees, such as covering a duty, making copies, writing up emergency sub plans, or taking a staff member's child home from school. Lindsey Lara is gift! Auxier's students and staff are blessed to have an incredible teacher like her contributing to our community. 

 

For more information about Rotary Club of Sun Lakes education programs and membership - see www.sunlakesrotary.com <http://www.sunlakesrotary.com>