OUTSPOKEN WITH BRUCE AND GAYDOS
Peoria math teacher wins KTAR News’ Pay Tribute to a Teacher award
Dec 10, 2019, 4:25 AM | Updated: 8:12 am
PHOENIX — A Peoria elementary school math teacher who created an accountability program was honored as the latest winner of the Pay Tribute to a Teacher award by KTAR 92.3 FM’s Gaydos in the Afternoon.
Allison Mooney of Ira A. Murphy Elementary School received a $2,500 check from Valley Toyota Dealers for finding new ways to help her students reach their potential.
According to the nominating letter submitted by a colleague, Mooney developed “The House Program,” which nurtures leadership skills in students.
The letter said the program helped the school significantly decrease the number of suspensions.
Mooney, a newlywed, said the award money will help her and her husband, who also is a teacher, save for a down payment on their first house.
Mooney teaches math to sixth and seventh graders.
“My favorite thing is at the end of the class seeing a kid’s face light up and they go, ‘ohhh,’ like it just clicks, and they get it and they feel like they conquered the world because they were able to do that,” Mooney said.
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.