Palmcroft teacher semifinalist in state award

  A Palmcroft Elementary School teacher will be honored next month as a semifinalist for the Arizona Education Foundation's 2009 Teacher of the Year.

  Melissa L. Haile will receive $1,000 as one of the top 10 semifinalists at the AEF's annual awards luncheon Nov. 12 in Scottsdale. Five other teachers, none from Yuma County, are finalists. The recipient will be announced at the luncheon.

  "I'm excited and surprised," the kindergarten teacher said. "I've been teaching 17 years, 12 of which have been for kindergartners. Currently I'm teaching English language learners, and it's awesome.

  "I feel blessed being nominated by my principal Patrick Koppinger, and thankful for the help Thomas May has volunteered for 15 years," Haile said.

  The Blue Bell Ice Cream company will be hosting an ice cream social for the entire Palmcroft School, children and staff. The date is a surprise, Haile was told.

  This is not the first honor for Haile. In 2007, she was named top teacher in the kindergarten through third grade category by the Yuma County Education Foundation and the Rotary Clubs of Yuma County.

   The AEF selection was based on interviews with a panel of business and community leaders, educators and students, plus such criteria as the applicants' educational background, professional biography, community involvement, philosophy of teaching and contributions to the teaching profession.