Each year the VFW recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students with the Teacher of the Year competition. Mrs. Janna Radarian, 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Imagine East Mesa Middle School, was the selected winner for VFW Post 1760’s Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.
Mrs. Radarian was selected by Ms. Heather Yordy, a fellow 7th & 8th grade educator at Imagine East Mesa Middle School. Ms. Yordy submitted Mrs. Radarian’s name along with providing the following essay on Mrs. Radarian’s behalf:
“Mrs. Janna Radarian, our 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher, should be awarded the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. I have been teaching for sixteen years and I can truly say that I know of no other educator more deserving of this award.
Mrs. Radarian lives exactly as the requirements for this award described. She cares deeply about our country and cares even more so for our students. She engages our students in deep thinking and discussion about the rich history of our country and the potential for the future. She infuses character education and team-building into her lessons that enable her to teach students about honor, integrity, justice, compassion, and learning from history so that we can make a better tomorrow. Whenever a concern arises with students, she encourages them to form a task force and handle the situation diplomatically. To further demonstrate her excellence as an educator, she has been selected as teacher of the year twice in her tenure at Imagine East Mesa.
In addition to all the amazing work she does inside the classroom, the main reason I believe she deserves this recognition is for her passion for the students to see history in action. This year will be the sixth year that Mrs. Radarian will take our 8th graders for a week-long trip to visit our nation’s capital. With Mrs. Radarian at the helm, we raise funds so that all students who desire to go have the opportunity. I had the privilege of attending the trip last year and it was life-changing for everyone who went. She carefully plans the trip and serves as the tour guide. Her knowledge of the history of our country and her desire to share that with all around her made the trip even more memorable.
There is no question that Mrs. Radarian is deserving of this award. I hope that the committee will take serious consideration into selecting her for this honor. I thank you for your time and your service to our country.”
The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students.
Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.
For more information on this annual award competition please visit Teacher of the Year on MesaVFW.org.