Math Teacher, Ash Fork Middle School
Ms. Acosta gives her time, energy, and knowledge freely and without reservation to her students, their families, and her community.
Years ago, she left her popular kindergarten classroom to fill an urgent need in her school district and teach middle school math. Despite being the coach for the middle and high school volleyball and basketball teams, she still finds time to translate for Spanish-speaking families and help them fill out their tax forms.
In an underserved area among the ashes of its former glory, Ms. Acosta teaches her students in such an understandable and thorough way that her students consistently earn top scores in the district and throughout the state on standardized tests. Ms. Acosta is devoted to her community—at school and at church, where she also teaches Sunday school.