TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Athletics and KGUN 9 are partnering with theUniversity of Arizona Online to recognize some of Southern Arizona's top teachers.
One of the finalists for Teacher of the Year is Flowing Wells High School World History teacher Rachel Lodge.
She says teaching at her alma mater has been "kind of awesome and kind of weird."
What is perfectly normal is how she engages her class in world history. Miss Lodge adheres to a Flowing Wells guideline of building a community within the classroom.
"I try to set up that community from day one," Lodge explained. "We're a team. Together we do these things so when they walk through this door, I hope that they're motivated, even when it's hard."
She also helps lead an ambassador club, taking students on trips each year during spring break.
"We've done Italy, and Spain, and Germany. This year we're going to China. Next year to Eastern Europe. It's an amazing opportunity for our kids."
While Miss Lodge is a finalist for Teacher of the Year, she is quick to spread praise on her colleagues and her school.
"We are a community first, so that we can build that community with the kids. I enjoy, I don't know, the Flowing Wells thing. Flowing Wells does a thing and we do it really well."
Lodge is one of nine finalist. The winner will be announced this spring.
