InClass

Two National Board Certified Teachers round out this year’s list.

Huge congratulations to Encanto Elementary School teacher Michelle Doherty, the newly announced 2017 Arizona Teacher of the Year.

"What we do matters," Doherty said. "Let's make our mark and be the voice for teachers and students in Arizona."

The first-grade teacher is the 34th teacher to receive the honor, given by the Arizona Educational Foundation at an annual luncheon. The organization selects 10 finalists from a pool of nominees, who must also submit a written application. Finalists must also prepare a 15-minute video of themselves teaching, plus participate in interviews.

In addition to being recognized as Arizona’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year, Doherty will receive $15,000, meet the president at the White House, and go to International Space Camp (um, cool!).

Meet this year’s 10 finalists for Arizona Teacher of the Year:

2017 Ambassadors for Excellence

• Chrissy DeBono, Second to Fifth Grade Math Teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School of Vail Unified School District, Tucson

• Michelle Doherty, First Grade Teacher at Encanto School of Osborn Elementary School District, Phoenix

• Lori Lyford, High School Music and Choral Teacher at Chandler High School of Chandler Unified School District

• Jena Phillips, Middle School Science Teacher at Bogle Jr. High School of Chandler Unified School District

• Maria Plata, First Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher at Kyrene del Norte School in Kyrene School District, Tempe

Semifinalists

• Karen Bristow, Twelfth Grade English Teacher at Buena High School of Sierra Vista Unified School District

• Donnie Dicus, NBCT, Third Grade Teacher at Manuel Peña Elementary School of Cartwright Elementary School District, Phoenix

• Kathy Hoover, High School CTE Sports Medicine Teacher at Kofa High School of Yuma Union High School District

• Mina Lorona, NBCT, Seventh Grade Language Arts Teacher at Villago Middle School of Casa Grande Elementary School District

• Elaine Veatch, Fifth Grade Teacher at Longfellow Elementary School of Mesa Unified School District

Learn more about the 2016 Teacher of the Year, Christine Marsh, an English teacher at Chaparral High School.