Meet the 2024 Teachers of Distinction!

The Arizona Rural Schools Association has been privileged to honor educators from around the state that are making an impact in their rural communities. We are pleased to continue this tradition of recognizing excellence! Rural teachers can be nominated by a community member, student, co-worker, school or district administrator, or county leader through an online nomination form.

Alicia Jimenez - Navajo County

Alicia Jimenez was born in Southern California and moved to Arizona at age 12. She grew up dreaming of becoming a teacher, often playing school with her sister. After high school, she settled in the White Mountains with her daughter, Alexa. Alicia earned her Associate’s Degree from Pima Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Texas and a Master’s in Instructional Media from Wilkes University. With 18 years of teaching experience, she has taught grades 4 through 8 and served as an Instructional Technology Coach. Currently, she teaches at Holbrook Junior High School, where she enjoys building relationships with her students and supporting their daily successes.

Courtney Zampogna - Mohave County

With 13 years of teaching experience, I’m excited to return to third grade after spending 11 years in first grade and a year with 3rd/4th gifted students. I hold a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a Master's in Differentiated Instruction. I’m a National Board Certified Teacher since 2017 and maintained my certification in 2022. I was the Teacher of the Year at Starline Elementary and the Lake Havasu Unified School District in 2023. I’m also a proud mother of two girls, Kaiya (7) and Hayden (4). My husband is the Athletic Director at our local high school.

Jennifer Van Rooy - Mohave County

Jennifer Van Rooy is an educator of 30 years in the same rural community in which she grew up. She teaches 8th grade ELA at Mohave Valley Junior High where she also serves as Mentor Teacher. She previously taught at River Valley High School where she taught English, Drama, Speech, and Yoga. Jennifer has sponsored National Honor Society, Junior National Honor Society, directed award winning plays and musicals, coached a state championship Speech Team, and led Student Council. Teaching a second generation of students and working alongside former students is now a treasure and she remains passionate in her belief that all students can learn if you care.

Julia Slucas - La Paz County

Julia Slucas is a teacher with almost 25 years of experience in the high school classroom. She currently teaches biology, chemistry, physics, and physical science. In addition, in her role as an instructional coach she facilitates professional opportunities for her coworkers and assists in classroom observations. Her work extends beyond the classroom as head track and field coach for both the boys and girls teams as well as the sponsor for the National Honor Society at Salome High School. She enjoys volunteer opportunities, reading, crafts and Halloween.

Laura A. Layden - Navajo County

While attending University of Evansville, I met and married my sweetheart who was originally from Holbrook, Arizona where we both have had successful careers in education. I began my teaching career in Sanders, Arizona 26 years ago teaching first graders. I have been a coach’s wife of 33 years following and supporting 1A-3A rural Arizona teams. This school year marks my 24th year teaching in Holbrook Unified School District. I was able to complete my reading endorsement from Northern Arizona University and I have been a K-1 reading specialist since 2008-present servicing students in the Holbrook Unified School District.

Lyndsay Ludden - Yavapai County

Lyndsay is a National Board Certified teacher with 18 years of experience. She has taught 1st grade, served as a program coach, and currently teaches Agriculture to K-8 students at Oak Creek School in Cornville. Lyndsay's passion for teaching agriculture is deeply rooted in her personal connection to farming in rural Arizona. She finds immense joy in cultivating her students' enthusiasm as they engage in hands-on activities such as growing, harvesting, cooking, and eating what they have sowed. She believes education is not confined to the four walls of a classroom and inspires outdoor learning and exploration.

Mary Ellen Sharits - Maricopa County

Starting my 26th year of teaching, my experience spans from nurturing kindergarteners - eighth graders. I am Highly Qualified in ELA, Science, Social Studies, and hold M.Ed-Educational Leadership. Additionally, as Gifted Coordinator I am committed to meeting the unique needs of exceptional learners. This diverse experience has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the developmental stages of learning and the ability to adapt my teaching strategies to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. This passion drives my commitment to excellence in education and my continuous pursuit of innovative teaching methods.

Rachel Willis - Maricopa County

Rachel Willis is a J.A.G. Teacher at Wickenburg High School. JAG (Jobs for Arizona's Graduates) is a program that focuses on helping students prepare for education, employment and life. Mrs. Willis is a 4th generation teacher, a proud mom of two kids and a wife to her high school sweetheart Brent. Mrs. Willis has worked as a school counselor for decades and switched back to teaching three years ago. Mrs. Willis feels lucky to teach and work in Wickenburg where there is a ton of community support for education.

Rikkie Jensen - Yavapai County

Rikkie Jensen a generational Arizona native. She grew up in Greenlee County Arizona where she participated in athletics,NHS, FFA and 4-H. After graduation she continued her education receiving her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Masters of Science in Teacher Leadership with an emphasis in Curriculum Development. She has taught for 18 years as a Social Studies teacher where she has taught in both Nevada and Arizona. Rikkie is a mother to two wonderful children and just celebrated 23 years of marriage to her high school sweetheart. She resides in the small town of Chino Valley.

Sara Darnell - Mohave County

Sara Darnell, NBCT McGen, has been a teacher in the Lake Havasu School District for the last 26 years. Sara has taught grades 3-12 during her career with the last 3 years strengthening the reading intervention program at Lake Havasu High School.