As the academic year ended, we showed our love and appreciation for our community’s teachers and schools. Here are four ways we helped to expand educational opportunities at local campuses.
Bright Teacher
Each year, we provide lessons about energy efficiency, electrical safety and renewable energy in local classrooms that reach about 14,000 students.
This year, we honored one teacher who goes above and beyond to educate students about these topics.
Aaron Buckley, a sixth-grade science teacher at Los Amigos Tech Academy, has participated in TEP’s Bright Students program since 2018.
“Thanks to him, nearly 550 students at Los Amigos Elementary School have had the chance to learn more about energy and conservation,” said America Miranda, TEP’s Program Manager for Energy Programs. “Students and their families have received devices to help them save energy and have helped to save energy across our city.”
In mid-May, a TEP team presented Buckley with the Bright Students Teacher Award, along with a gift box of school supplies and a gift card.
See a social media post about the award.
Principal for a Day
Not only does Susan Gray lead an energy company, but our President and Chief Executive Officer also stepped into the role of principal for a day at Mesquite Elementary School.
In the Vail School District, she shadowed Principal Diane Vargo to see education in action. The Principal for a Day program is organized through Tucson Values Teachers, a nonprofit organization that aligns with TEP’s focus on education.
“I loved seeing how the teachers managed their classrooms in a way that maximized learning but also made sure students felt valued and loved,” Gray said. “As a mom, I know how important the teachers and school administrators are in the lives of children.”
Becoming the Teacher
Each year, TEP employees show their support for teachers by becoming one for a day.
For the 12th consecutive year, about a dozen employees taught financial literacy lessons to classes at Blenman Elementary School through our partnership with Junior Achievement of Arizona – Southern District.
At the event, TEP hosted a lunch for the staff and provided each teacher with a gift card.
Our support doesn’t stop there. Our employees serve on the organization’s board and participate in a bowling fundraiser, and we also sponsor a job-skills challenge. Read a previous story about our Junior Achievement partnership.
Ready for Summer
TEP volunteers visited Laguna Elementary School in mid-May to help with literacy activities and help students select books to take home over the summer break. The My Summer Library event is offered through the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona.
TEP employees support the United Way in other ways as well, including volunteer activities and a companywide giving campaign. United Way presented TEP with a Partnership Award and honored employees as top campaign leaders at the organization’s Circle of Excellence event in May.
