Abbey Colledge is a STEM Stand Out Educator at Vista Grove Prep Academy
(November 15, 2022…Phoenix, AZ) “Ms. Colledge has made our school fall in love with the wonders of science.” These are the word of Arman Sidhu, principal of Vista Grove Prep Academy in Mesa, Arizona that made Burch & Cracchiolo choose Colledge as the November recipient of the “Star Teacher Award. This is high praise for a first-year teacher who has tackled teaching science to K-6 grades with great enthusiasm and creativity. Vista Grove Prep is a Title 1 public charter school in Mesa with 115 ethnically diverse students. 2022 is the first year they have received STEM recognition, in large part, due to Colledge’s efforts. She received a check for $500 which will be used to purchase microscopes. Vista Grove Prep Academy received an additional check for $250 to be used at the discretion of principal Sidhu. The awards were presented by B&C senior partner Susie Ingold.
“I love teaching STEM in all its forms,” comments Colledge. “The kids are excited and eager to learn about gravity, volcanoes, hurricanes, ecology and so much more. I love putting that spark in them.”
Colledge received a B.S. in Elementary education from Southern Utah University in April 2022. While attending college she was a paraprofessional at an elementary school for 4 years. She was also the manager of the university’s STEM center where she planned STEM nights for local elementary schools and ran a STEM library where local teachers could check out STEM materials.
A Valley teacher is chosen each month to receive $500 through a nominating process on the firm’s website www.bcattorneys.com. Nominations are accepted from students, former students and parents who wish to honor and thank a teacher who has had a profound impact on their life. Many teachers spend their own money to augment the costs of classroom supplies, field trips and other non-covered costs that arise throughout the school year. B&C hopes to alleviate that burden for one deserving teacher each month. In addition, the school where the educator teaches receives a check for $250 to be used at their discretion.
Nominations are open to all teachers in K-12 who teach in Maricopa County. Winners will be notified and then presented a check at their school by a member of Burch & Cracchiolo. Photos and/or video will be taken to post on the firm website and social media. To nominate go to www.bcattorneys.com, click on the “Nominate a Star Teacher” button and tell us why you think your teacher deserves the B&C Star Teacher Award.
About Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A.
Now with 40 attorneys, Burch & Cracchiolo is one of the Southwest's premier law firms. The firm was founded in 1970 by Haze Burch and Dan Cracchiolo and today the firm’s lawyers are among the most highly regarded and recognized leaders in the areas of business and corporate law, construction, criminal defense, estate and wealth preservation planning, family law, finance, labor and employment, litigation, personal injury and insurance defense, real estate, and tax law. The firm has a long history of giving back to the community through non-profit sponsorships, donations, and volunteer efforts.