Read the bios of the Teacher of the Year and the Ambassadors for 2003

*Rich Mayorga
Robert Anderson
Mary Lara
Susana Pederson
Nikki Serafin


Rich Mayorga
Sunnyside High School, Tucson
Sunnyside Unified School District
History & Government
9th – 12th Grade

  • “Respect empowers! When students/people are respected, old societal norms and negativisms melt away to produce a safe environment for students/people to grow, risk, experience, and succeed. This whole process can be fun; a roller coaster has ups and downs with thrills and shocks. Similarly, each day can be an empowering experience that builds a successful, positive, motivating future for each child. ‘Caution: educational bumps ahead’ is the norm. Respect for students requires no extra funding, but does demand a significant donation of time and energy.”
  • “Five years ago I developed (and still maintain) the Sunnyside High School Honors Academy for highly motivated and dedicated high school students with grade requirements, social and academic responsibilities, and superior expectations. This program has attracted superior students/citizens/athletes/leaders that have made a significantly positive impact on our school and community.”
  • “Truly, an outstanding teacher is one who motivates students and peers to achieve their highest levels of potential/success/accomplishment, educates the students in many fun and exciting techniques, and stimulates/inspires everyone to desire more learning and successes. In an effort to be an outstanding and caring teacher/facilitator/coach, my best efforts will surely invite their best efforts.”

Mr. Mayorga received his Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and his Masters in Educational Psychology from the University of Arizona. He has further degrees as an Educational Specialist in Reading and Culture and Bilingual Education from the U of A.