(February 20, 2026…Phoenix, AZ) Burch & Cracchiolo is pleased to honor Berenice Hernandez of Manuel Peña Jr. Elementary School as this month’s Star Teacher.
Ms. Hernandez joined the Peña staff this year after a decade of remarkable impact at Joseph Zito Elementary, Isaac School District No. 5, where she was nominated by Principal Laura Couret. Over her career, Ms. Hernandez has become known for creating a classroom environment defined by joy, structure, and high expectations. Year after year, her kindergarten students have achieved some of the strongest assessment results in the district, including many students reclassifying from English Language Learners to Language Proficient within a single school year.
Her influence extends well beyond academic performance. Ms. Hernandez has consistently invested her time, energy, and creativity into expanding opportunities for her students, raising funds to provide experiences many would not otherwise have. Because of her dedication, students have visited the Phoenix Zoo, OdySea Aquarium, and the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, creating lasting memories that enrich their learning and development.
Both Joseph Zito Elementary and Manuel Peña Jr. Elementary are Title I schools, making the commitment and passion of educators like Ms. Hernandez especially meaningful. With 18 years devoted entirely to teaching kindergarten, her enthusiasm and connection with her students are immediately evident.
We were equally inspired by Peña Principal Mr. Newman, whose dedication to his school community reflects the same spirit of service. A past recipient of the Maricopa County Exemplary Principal Award, he was recognized for extraordinary efforts during the COVID pandemic to ensure students and families had access to meals and support.
Educators like Ms. Hernandez represent the very best of the profession, and we are proud to recognize her with the Star Teacher Award.
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 a team of 45+ esteemed law professionals, 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. B&C has been honored as an AZ Business Angel by the Arizona Business Magazine in 2020, 2021 and 2022.