ARIZONA NEWS

Tempe elementary school teacher wins Bruce and Gaydos’ teacher tribute

Aug 27, 2024, 8:00 PM

Tempe elementary school teacher wins July's teacher tribute award...

Alison Ganssle, a fourth grade teacher, won July's Pay Tribute to a Teacher reward. (Photo via TempeSchools.org)

(Photo via TempeSchools.org)

PHOENIX — One lucky Tempe elementary school teacher has won thousands of dollars for her hard work serving the community.

In July, KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos’ Pay Tribute to a Teacher reward went to Alison Ganssle, a fourth grade teacher.

Ganssle works at Ward Traditional Academy, which is part of the Tempe Elementary School District.

She’s no stranger to going above and beyond. She has around 18 years of experience teaching, according to her class blog.

During her time, she’s won accolades before. In fact, she was one of two teachers celebrated by the Tempe School District in a 2020 blog. She was praised for her flexibility and technological skill in the face of COVID-19 mandating long-distance learning.

Tempe elementary school teacher talks about favorite part of her job

For five years, she and her classrooms have taken part in a program called Friendship Village, which connects fourth graders with senior citizens.

“They write letters back and forth throughout the year,” Ganssle told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “We have a field trip in May where they get to go meet their pen pals in person and they’ll read a book together. They’ll do a word search. They’ll make a bracelet.”

It’s more than just an educational tool; it’s a human moment that helps students who may not have grandparents around them. One of the adult pen pals in the program is 103 years old.

Sometimes, the age gaps can lead to funny moments.

“I will say there was one year one of my students wrote in their letter if their pen pal knew Abraham Lincoln,” she said. “I think a lot of people think, today, kids don’t have respect for their elders and have that connection anymore.”

However the program motivates students to learn more about older generations. “It’s just really beautiful,” Ganssle said.

Teachers like Ganssle earn $2,500 each month. Want to nominate a teacher for the award? Submissions are accepted here.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Eyes on Education presented by:

Maricopa Community Colleges

Arizona News

The US 93 highway near State Route 71 has closed in both directions due to a crash. (ADOT photo)...

Bailey Leasure

US 93 near State Route 71 closed due to crash

The US 93 highway near State Route 71 has closed in both directions due to a crash.

42 minutes ago

Front of Earnhardt Auto Centers in Queen Creek...

KTAR.com

Earnhardt to open Queen Creek location on Monday, original franchise owner’s birthday

Earnhardt Auto Centers will be celebrating the grand opening of a Queen Creek location and what would have been the 94th birthday of franchise founder, Tex Earnhardt, on Monday.

2 hours ago

Substance of Stars Stellar view. (Evolve photo)...

Bailey Leasure

Heard Museum receives $2.5 million for Native American engagement

The Heard Museum in Phoenix was granted $2.5 million that will be used to showcase and inform visitors about Native American religions.

5 hours ago

The Feed My Starving Children charity has moved from Mesa into a new facility in Tempe after com...

David Veenstra

Feed My Starving Children charity relocates from Mesa to Tempe

The Feed My Starving Children charity has moved from Mesa into a new facility in Tempe after completing a new lease agreement.

7 hours ago

Desert Diamond Arena...

Brandon Brown/Phoenix Business Journal

Price tag for Desert Diamond Arena increases as Glendale venue reimagined

The final price tag for the renovations of Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale will end up being higher than expected.

10 hours ago

water restrictions grand canyon south rim...

Kevin Stone

Additional water restrictions implemented at Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon National Park officials are increasing water restrictions at the South Rim after a second recent pipeline break.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Act Now: Secure Your HVAC Equipment Before Prices Rise in 2025!

Phoenix, AZ – As the year draws to a close, Collins Comfort Masters is urging homeowners and businesses to take advantage of current pricing on HVAC equipment.

...

Midwestern University

Midwestern University Clinics – Providing Comprehensive, Thorough and Unrushed Healthcare to the Valley Community

With so many options for healthcare in the Valley, why should you choose a clinic that has graduate medical students integrated into the patient experience?

Tempe elementary school teacher wins Bruce and Gaydos’ teacher tribute