InClass

The Arizona K12 Center always seeks to honor teachers, but they pull out all the stops for this elegant, annual event.

Call it what you want — teacher prom or the Grammy Awards of education — but you won’t want to miss the 2017 Celebration of Accomplished Teaching. According to Arizona K12 Center staff, Feb. 25 will be a night to remember, especially for the state’s new and renewed National Board Certified Teachers.

The event, which was inspired by Dr. Kathy Wiebke’s own experience when named a Disney American Teacher in 1998, honors teachers in the greatest fashion. Chandeliers, red-carpet photographers, a reception, and a sit-down dinner are just a few elements that make the night magical. Businesspeople and celebrities aren’t the only ones that deserve quality treatment — it’s teachers’ time to shine.

Two special touches include hand-crafted centerpieces made by National Board Certified Teacher Jennifer Pulbratek’s students from Dysart High School and live jazz music, directed by Board-certified teacher Katie Moorhead. The unique centerpieces and the jazz tunes add to the exquisite environment at the Chateau Luxe in Phoenix.

Both teachers know what it means to work exceptionally hard and become a National Board Certified Teacher. For this reason, Pulbratek and Moorhead dedicate countless hours to prepare for the event.

The art students work on the centerpieces for roughly two months and learn new techniques to create a clean, polished final product. Each year, Pulbratek pursues new challenges to take her students’ skills to another level.

“Every year, the centerpieces have their own story because of the time and effort that goes into making them. It’s more than ‘getting asked to make art for a snazzy event.’  I’m striving to get better, as I grasp my students’ abilities,” the Dysart High School teacher says. “It rekindles my drive to grow as a professional.”

Moorhead, a longtime teacher in the Dysart Unified School District, says it’s an opportunity for her eighth-grade students from Greenfield Junior High to be treated as professionals.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the Celebration for Accomplished Teaching. We want to present our very best and the students know that they’re the only band playing, so they feel special. They will appreciate it even more when they see the venue in person,” she explains. “Walking in, you’re in awe. You feel like a celebrity.”

Want to experience it for yourself? Our advice: Hang up the khaki pants and polo shirt. Instead, grab for your cocktail dress or suit, reserve a babysitter (if needed), and prepare to savor the night with teachers and community members who value excellence in education.

Still need to get your ticket? Buy it now, so you won’t miss the chance to attend the Eighth Annual Celebration of Accomplished Teaching.