Phoenix middle school educator wins Mac & Gaydos’ Pay Tribute to a Teacher

PHOENIX — A teacher at a middle school in Phoenix has been named the latest recipient of KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac & Gaydos’ Pay Tribute to a Teacher award.

Shannon Griffith, a seventh-grade teacher at Sonoran Trails Middle School, was called “one of the most dedicated teachers in our district” by her nominator.

“Ms. Griffith is a single mom of two amazing kids, and she continues to balance her commitment to her students and her children year after year,” the nominator wrote.

“When many teachers in our district left the profession or moved on to higher paying school districts, she chose to stay.”

In order to make ends meet as a teacher, Griffith received her real estate license “so she can afford to continue doing what she loves: Teaching.”

Griffith also helps run the middle school Veterans Heritage Project, “where she spends countless hours with students who interview local veterans so their stories may be told and published into a book.

“With well over 15 years of teaching, she continues to fight for education, and dedicated herself every year to making sure each and every student she has, knows she cares and will teach them and keep them safe!  She deserves so much more than an individual parent could give, and I hope that by receiving this award, she knows she really is making a difference!”

Editor’s note: To nominate a teacher having an impact on your or your children’s lives, text the word “teacher” to 411923 or apply online.