Congratulations to Estes Elementary teacher, Ms. Lewandowski, who was named the 2022 Arizona English Learner (EL) Teacher of the Year! Presented by the Arizona Department of Education, this special award honors one outstanding Arizona teacher of English Learners each year.
Ms. Lewandowski was surprised with the announcement at an assembly at Estes Elementary on Nov. 18, where her family was present to celebrate her exciting and deserving recognition. She will be formally honored at the Office of English Language Acquisition Services (OELAS) Conference at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort in early December.
Ms. Lewandowski displays a passion in all students, is an expert in relationship-building, and a valued leader among staff. As an EL advocate, Ms. Lewandowski identifies strengths and needs, and targets both to teach effectively. Through differentiated instruction and focused lessons, student growth is ongoing. Her family-oriented environment displays passion, innovation, and collaboration, and she provides a special place for students to learn from her nurturing, caring demeanor.
When asked why she enjoys going to Ms. Lew’s classroom, one of her students shared, “Ms. Lew loves me and believes in me. She makes learning so much fun!” Students are visibly set-up for success.
“Ms. Lewandowski unfailingly builds lasting relationships with our EL stakeholders,” said Mrs. Colleen Frederick, principal. “Families know her on an academic and non-academic level through her personal phone calls, home visits, and invitations to school events. Parents are always welcomed and their cultures, language, and values are celebrated in her classroom in both social and instructional settings.”
Not only does she serve students at Estes, she also serves as a resource for classroom teachers of English Learners throughout the District. The partnership she has developed with colleagues allows them to collaborate on a regular basis, sharing a variety of data and instructional strategies to meet the needs of each EL student.
Congratulations, Ms. Lewandowski! We are so proud to have you at Estes and within Marana Schools!
Watch a video of the presentation and congratulate Ms. Lewandowski on Facebook!