Arizona Western College names 2024 Teachers of the Year
April 18, 2024Nicole Bethurum and Jane Peabody to be recognized during annual celebration
Yuma, AZ (April 18, 2024) – Arizona Western College’s 2024 Teacher of the Year honorees are Nicole Bethurum, Professor of Mathematics and Head Softball Coach, and Jane Peabody, Coordinator of Physical and Wellness Education.
This year, a total of 81 qualified candidates were nominated by students and staff for the prestigious recognition. Winners were selected by a committee comprised of former award winners based on exemplary performance in the classroom; being accepted and respected by their colleagues and administrators; being innovative, creative, and enthusiastic; being involved in professional enrichment; demonstrating outstanding contributions and/or leadership in their workplace and beyond; and exhibiting a willingness to share their expertise with others.
“The number of faculty nominees we had this year truly reflects the amazing work being done in the classrooms of AWC,” said Dr. Cristina Gordon, Associate Dean of Instructional Development and Student Learning Experience. “To rise above this incredible group as these winners did, is a true testament to their dedication to the students and the college. Congratulations!”
Bethurum and Peabody will be recognized for their dedication to their students’ education during the 37th Annual Teacher of the Year banquet and ceremony on Thursday, April 25. They were also recently honored during AWC’s Employee Recognition Event on March 27.
Through a partnership with the AWC Foundation, this year’s awardees will receive either the Frances Morris Endowed Faculty Achievement Award or the Shadle-Edgecombe Endowed Faculty Achievement Award for their work at AWC and in the community. These awards are in addition to sponsored professional development conference travel and a special parking spot on campus. Bethurum will also have the responsibility of selecting a student who is a high school senior or a student already attending AWC for the Teacher of the Year Presidential Scholarship.
Excerpt from Nicole Bethurum’s Teaching Philosophy Statement:
“Math, just like a foreign language, is a topic that must be developed over time. If a student at any level of math, or foreign language, did not absorb a skill from the previous topics, it can be hard to move on from there and understand the new material. This is one of the reasons I have enjoyed teaching the College Algebra with Review courses over the past few years. When I taught the College Algebra courses, I would always try to cover as much review material as possible. This was to ensure each student had a strong base for the new material we would start with in chapter one. For the College Algebra with Review courses, I like to spend as much time as possible covering the 10 review sections before moving on to the new content. I will also often use some of the review content in our first module of new material as well.
Another thing I have learned over the years to help with student interest in their math course, is to try to incorporate topics that they would be interested in. I like to figure out what topics the students are majoring in, and try to tailor our word problems to model the real-world data they will see in their future. I also like to ask about our students’ hobbies and try to find real world examples that relate to the students better this way as well. Sometimes, this can be as simple as incorporating more word problems involving finances, whether that be interest rates, simple interest, earning a profit in business, etc. There are also linear word problems about predicting height, food growth, health insurance cost, annual electricity cost and use, and stopping distance reaction time while driving a car. Or, I can use quadratic word problems that can be used to model maximum profit, finding the height of a rocket or ball, and maximizing an area for a livestock enclosure.”
Quote from Arizona Western College student Natalie Gonzalez:
“As a student in her MAT 150 class at Arizona Western College, I have had the privilege of experiencing firsthand Nikki's exceptional dedication, passion, and impact as an educator. From the moment I stepped into her classroom, it was evident that Nikki was not just an ordinary teacher, but a mentor, guide, and source of inspiration. She possesses an innate ability to engage and motivate students, fostering a positive and enriching learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and growth. Nikki goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. She takes the time to understand each student's unique strengths, challenges, and interests, tailoring her teaching approach to meet the diverse needs of her students. Whether through personalized feedback, creative lesson planning, or extra support outside of class, Nikki is unwavering in her commitment to her students' academic and personal development.
What truly sets Nikki apart is her genuine passion for teaching and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of her students. She not only imparts knowledge but instills a love of learning that extends far beyond the classroom walls. Her enthusiasm is infectious, igniting a spark within each student and inspiring us to strive for excellence in everything we do. Beyond her exceptional teaching abilities, Nikki is also a compassionate and supportive mentor who genuinely cares about the well-being of her students. She is approachable, empathetic, and always willing to lend a listening ear or offer words of encouragement when needed.”
Excerpt from Jane Peabody’s Teaching Philosophy Statement:
“The realm of exercise, wellness, and nutrition is very dynamic. Lifelong learning resonates profoundly in our field. Just as our body evolves, so too must our knowledge and understanding of how we care for them. Embracing this sentiment, we as educators must recognize that effective teaching extends beyond traditional methods. It demands catering to diverse learning styles, fostering an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive.
The role of a teacher transcends mere instruction, it mirrors that of a nurturing parent. Just as a parent’s guidance is perpetual, so too is the teacher’s commitment to their students. The journey of learning is not confined to a classroom for a finite period. It is a continuous process that extends throughout life. Thus, as educators in the field of exercise, wellness and nutrition, we embrace the sentiment of lifelong learning and ‘parental’ mentorship. Our dedication knows no bounds, for our students are not transient but enduring beneficiaries of our guidance and wisdom. Together, we embark on a journey of continual growth and enlightenment, enriching lives through the power of knowledge and compassionate teaching.”
Quote from Arizona Western College colleague Angie Creel, Director of Library Services:
“I have had the pleasure of working with Jane Peabody at Arizona Western College since 2008. In that time, I witnessed the wonderful qualities she possesses including diligence in advocating for a safe and current fitness facility, great interpersonal skills, the ability to juggle many roles with ease, and leadership qualities that surpass many of her peers. Jane can accomplish any task that she is given. She is a consummate professional and leads her team fearlessly.
Jane, as a coworker, is someone I can count on to bounce ideas off of. She has years of experience and has been very involved with decision making across the campus. She truly cares about administrative decisions and advocates for those in her purview. In the spirit of continual improvement and advancement, she has been awarded several Innovation Fund grants over the last few years (Fit Pit construction, new furniture for the pool area) and supported one grant to create a Human Wellness Lab inside of the Fitness Center. She also attended nearly all of the Granger Network’s community building endeavors and was part of the Granger Network’s yearlong Advanced Leadership Development cohort.”
Contact:
Dr. Cristina Gordon
Associate Dean of Instructional Development and Student Learning Experience
Arizona Western College
Cristina.Gordon@azwestern.edu
928-317-6284