What Is The Deer Valley Education Foundation?
The Deer Valley Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed in 1986 as one of the first education foundations in the State of Arizona. The Foundation raises funds to provide grants for student scholarships and teacher grants to bring innovative and dynamic learning experiences to our children.
Our Mission: To foster excellence in education by funding programs that enhance the capabilities of Deer Valley’s schools to stimulate students’ academic achievement and enrich the learning environment.
The Deer Valley Education Foundation prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment.
The 2025-26 Cohort of Teachers & Rookies Announced
After an extensive nomination, application and interview process, the Deer Valley Education Foundation and the Deer Valley Unified School District are proud to announce the 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year and Rookies of the Year.
These teachers will be honored at the May 12th, 2026 DVUSD Board meeting. Doors open to the public at 5.45 p.m. Awards & Recognition will start at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Regular Board meeting at 7:00 p.m.
2025-2026 Teachers of the Year
Kristi Hurlburt - Barry Goldwater High School
Kelley Robb - Barry Goldwater High School
Khalila Govan - Deer Valley High School
Corinne Gettys - Highland Lakes School
Courtney Biller - Hillcrest Middle School
Brandi King - Inspiration Mountain School
Catherin Race - Legend Springs Elementary Schoo
Mark Faust - Mountain Ridge High School
Jodi Todd - Mountain Shadows Elementary School
Kaylea Burstynski - Sandra Day O’Connor High School
Sara Cullen - Sierra Verde STEAM Academy
Dr. Matthew Henson - Terramar Academy of the Arts
Sydney Toups - Union Park School
2025-2026 Rookies of the Year
Dani Brashears - Canyon Springs STEM Academy
Josh Singleton - Deer Valley High School
Bridgette Brados - Sandra Day O’Connor High School
Melanie Kleimon - Sierra Verde STEAM Academy
Kathryn Santiago - Sonoran Foothills
Please be sure to congratulate these AMAZING teachers!
2026 Battle of the Books Champions
Congratulations to our Battle of the Books 2026 champions, Team "Booking.com" from Legend Springs Elementary School!
Thank you to all of our contestants, literary specialists, and volunteers for participatiung this year. Get a head start on the 2026-27 Battle of the Books today.
