Celebrating Our Educators: Teacher Appreciation Week at QCUSD

Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the heart of our school communities—our teachers. At Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD), our educators are more than instructors. They are mentors, motivators, and role models who empower students every day.

Ben Brandau, Arizona Health and Physical Education’s High School Teacher of the Year, has transformed physical education at Queen Creek High School. “It’s about more than just physical activity—it’s about teaching kids to be healthy, confident, and collaborative,” he shared.

At Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary, Meeghan Leyva’s dedication earned her the title of National Board Certified Teacher. “I wanted to prove to myself—and to my students—that I would always be learning, too,” she said.

Across the district, teachers bring passion and purpose to the classroom. Crismon High School’s CTE nursing pathway teacher encourages students to pursue careers in healthcare with real-world training. One student reflected, “Our teacher pushes us to be better every day—and truly believes we’ll change lives someday.”

Another standout is Mrs. Martin at Queen Creek High School, whose encouragement helped student Mario Aleman earn the Flinn Scholarship. Mario shared, “She recognized my potential and encouraged me to apply.”

Student leaders like Ryland Johns, FBLA President at Crismon High School, also credit teacher support. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my teachers,” Ryland said.

These stories represent just a few of the many incredible educators shaping our district’s future. They guide students to believe in themselves, to dream big, and to lead with confidence.

To every QCUSD teacher: thank you. Your dedication, compassion, and unwavering belief in your students make all the difference. Because of you, our schools thrive—and so do our students.