TUCSON, Ariz. — In the Flowing Wells District a STEM and pre-kindergarten teacher is in the running to become Arizona's top teacher.
Ben Collinsworth teaches at Emily Meschter Early Learning Center. He's been teaching for five years now.
Collinsworth says teaching found him in an expected way.
He calls his career thrilling and rewarding.
Collinsworth says "To have this recognition is pretty incredible and feels like a great honor."
Another teacher in the Flowing Wells District is also in the running.
High School teacher, Nathaniel Rios.
Mr. Rios was named in the top five teachers in Arizona.
Rios teaches 11th and 12th grade U.S. Government and history at Flowing Wells High School. He's been at the school for 13 years.
Flowing Wells High School teacher Nathaniel Rios says "To be an ambassador top five teacher in the state of Arizona means that all the little sacrifices and dedications that we've done over the years for our family and students that we teach is being recognized, and teachers across the state will continue to sacrifice today and tomorrow."
The teacher of the year award will be announced in October.
