Arizona Western College names 2023 Teachers of the Year
April 21, 2023Dr. Sara Amani and Rafael Encinas to be recognized during annual celebration
Yuma, AZ (April 21, 2023) – Arizona Western College’s 2023 Teacher of the Year honorees are Dr. Sara Amani, Professor of Multilingual Composition Specialist, and Rafael Encinas, Academic Advisor and Transition Coordinator.
This year, 47 qualified candidates were nominated by students and staff for the prestigious recognition. Winners were selected through the offices of the Vice President of Learning Services and CTE & Workforce Development 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.
Dr. Sara Amani and Rafael Encinas will be recognized for their dedication to their students’ education during the 36th Annual Teacher of the Year banquet and ceremony on Tuesday, April 25. They were also recently honored during AWC’s Employee Recognition Event on April 17.
“These faculty members have gone above and beyond to support their students in line with our mission of transforming lives through education and partnerships to create thriving communities,” said Joann Chang, Associate Dean of Math, Science, Engineering and Wellness & Physical Education.
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 a tuition waiver for three credits at Northern Arizona University-Yuma for the 2023-2024 academic year, sponsored professional development conference travel, and a special parking spot on campus. Dr. Sara Amani 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 Dr. Sara Amani’s Teaching Philosophy Statement:
“In order to better serve our multilingual students, I create and maintain an atmosphere for learning and provide a motivational atmosphere for them. I use strategies and techniques that make clear the purpose and content of each lesson and use varied and effective methods of presentation appropriate to the lesson content. I tailor assignments around the topics of their interests and living experiences, use readings that are culturally relevant and appropriate, and encourage students to learn from their cultural heritage and personal experiences.
Derived from research on individual differences and my own research publications and conference presentations in the areas of First-Year Composition, Written Corrective Feedback, Second Language Writing, Task-based Language Teaching and Learning, and Learning Styles and Strategies, I provide opportunities for multilingual students at AWC to learn how to approach academic writing in a variety of ways, and, in terms of assessment, I creatively seek ways to assess their composition which would not bias the performance of one type of learner over another. I see one of my primary roles to be a facilitator, providing a context which fosters students’ autonomy and development of critical, conceptual and reflective thinking. This, I believe, aligns with the vision of AWC’s strategic plan which is ‘Cultivating generations who value knowledge, foster independence, eliminate poverty, and create vital, equitable and sustainable communities.’”
Quote from Arizona Western College student Araceli Espindola:
“Dr. Amani showed a lot of passion and dedication in motivating us to believe that the promotion of intercultural understanding should become a common practice in our school. Dr. Amani facilitated the conversation in our class that recognizing and appreciating each other’s differences is important for creating an environment where we feel valued and recognized.”
Excerpt from Rafael Encinas’ Teaching Philosophy Statement:
“Every educational opportunity that has helped me grow as an individual is due in a big part to the AWC community. Therefore, I am a big advocate of paying it forward by cultivating and supporting the future community leaders that come to AWC, specifically and currently through my grant program: The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP).
I believe that I have cultivated a support system of AWC peers who have helped me grow both educationally and personally. Every teaching strategy I implement is inspired from different AWC professors who have inspired me to help others. They instilled in me the importance of hands-on, reflective, and passionate teaching which allows me to cultivate an amazing student experience. I take pride in my work. I want them to be Arizona Western Made, just like me. In order to deliver said meaningful and amazing student experience, facilitators must work diligently to help students not just pass classes, but to also give them the tools to thrive in their community. For example, one of the college’s priorities is to eliminate poverty by cultivating educated and skilled community members. A primary way to do this is to start early by providing a strong foundation for learning; by strengthening both personal and career-based skill building. I believe I contribute to an amazing student experience by encouraging students to develop employment preparedness skills in a safe, flexible, and adaptable learning environment.”
Quote from Arizona Western College student Fatima Sanchez Cruz:
"Rafael always emphasized the importance of leadership skills, learning, listening, and, most importantly, working as a team and communicating with our peers. Rafael showed us the true meaning of life and how the college could get you through your academic goals if you used the resources handed to you wisely. He is a dedicated educator who gives his students everything he has in the hope that they will realize their full potential."
Contact:
Joann Chang
Associate Dean of Math, Science, Engineering and Wellness & Physical Education
Arizona Western College
Joann.Chang@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7665
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Caption information:
Professor of Multilingual Composition Specialist Dr. Sara Amani was recently named as an Arizona Western College 2023 Teacher of the Year honoree. Dr. Amani will be recognized for her dedication to her students’ education during the 36th Annual Teacher of the Year banquet and ceremony on Tuesday, April 25. She was also recently honored during AWC’s Employee Recognition Event on April 17.
Academic Advisor and Transition Coordinator Rafael Encinas (center) was recently named as an Arizona Western College 2023 Teacher of the Year honoree. Encinas will be recognized for his dedication to his students’ education during the 36th Annual Teacher of the Year banquet and ceremony on Tuesday, April 25. He was also recently honored during AWC’s Employee Recognition Event on April 17. Also pictured is Associate Dean of Math, Science, Engineering and Wellness & Physical Education Joann Chang (left) and Director of College Assistance Migrant Program Rosalia Delgado (right.)