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From SUSD Student to Arizona Teacher of the Year Semifinalist

From SUSD Student to Arizona Teacher of the Year Semifinalist

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — For Jennifer Fox, teaching in Scottsdale Unified School District is more than a career, it is a full-circle journey rooted in gratitude, community, and a lifelong love of learning.

A second-grade teacher at Hopi Elementary School, Fox has been named a semifinalist in the 2027 Arizona Teacher of the Year program through the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF). The recognition places her among the state’s most distinguished educators and highlights the exceptional teaching and learning taking place in Scottsdale Unified School District classrooms every day.

For Fox, the honor is especially meaningful because SUSD is the district that helped shape her own story. A former student at Tavan Elementary School, Ingleside Middle School, and Arcadia High School, she now teaches the next generation of students in the same community that inspired her years ago.

“I love this district and the teachers who work here because so many of them shaped the person and teacher I am today,” Fox said. “That’s why this recognition means so much to me, to now teach in the same district that inspired me as a student and be recognized alongside some of Arizona’s top educators is truly special.”

Over the past 21 years, only a handful of Scottsdale Unified teachers have reached the top tiers of the Arizona Teacher of the Year competition. Fox advanced to the top 15 for the 2026 recognition cycle and reached the top 10 for 2027 — a distinction that reflects her dedication to students, innovative teaching practices, and commitment to creating meaningful classroom experiences.

“Jennifer represents the very best of SUSD,” said Principal Anne Plenkovich. “Her passion for students, love for learning, and deep connection to this community are evident in everything she does. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the impact she continues to make at Hopi Elementary.”

The Arizona Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and service to their school communities. Candidates participate in a statewide selection process celebrating educators who inspire students and elevate the profession.

“Being recognized is truly humbling,” Fox said. “But the greatest reward will always be the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children every single day.”

Fox and the other finalists will be recognized during the Arizona Educational Foundation’s Back-to-School Breakfast on August 7 in Phoenix.

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#ChooseSUSD
With nearly 20,000 students in all schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for almost 130 years. Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe, and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills, and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedIn and YouTube.

 

About the Arizona Educational Foundation
Since 1983, the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) has been at the frontlines of Arizona’s PreK–12 public education system celebrating excellence and addressing the urgent and persistent challenges facing schools, educators, and students. Founded by former Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Warner, AEF is the state’s only education foundation charged with elevating Arizona education by showcasing schools and educators that exemplify best practices and confronting systemic issues such as teacher shortages, low student achievement, and inequities across communities. As such, AEF’s 11 statewide initiatives serve as critical interventions that help stabilize schools, build leadership pipelines, train teachers, and expand opportunities for students and districts who too often go without. Public education is the heart of a community, and AEF remains focused on ensuring every student, in every community, has access to the resources, educators, and opportunities required to succeed.