(March 28, 2022…Phoenix, AZ) Burch & Cracchiolo proudly names Wes Harder of Norterra Canyon School as the March 2022 Star Teacher. Harder has been teaching 5th grade math, social studies and science for 6 years and recently came onboard as the school Athletic Director. He indicated that the $500 award will be used for much needed athletic equipment and support services for students living in a group home setting. The school received an additional check for $250 accepted by Norterra Canyon principal Tish Mineer. Norterra Canyon is a pre-K through 8th grade school in the Peoria Unified School District with a current enrollment of 550 students.
Harder graduated from Arizona State University in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in business.
Harder was nominated by long-time friend Stu Kemppainen who wrote (in part):
Mr. Harder is a key role model for students at a very influential age. Few men choose to teach elementary school age children, and this can be a foundational and pivotal time. Often, children of this age come from split households, and they may not have a consistent male influence in their life. Let alone a positive, intelligent and compassionate influence.
Mr. Harder's utilization of hands on, interactive and fun teaching make him a favorite at the school, with the administrators, with the parents and with his students. In addition to the classroom setting, he coaches softball at the school. While there has not been significant success in the win/loss columns, there has been success building confidence, belonging to a team and enjoying physical activity.
Mr. Harder has been a friend for decades and has proven to be a stable figure in the life of my daughter as well. Choosing to join the teaching profession later in life shows Wes' dedication to his students. He most definitely isn’t in it for the money!
A Valley teacher is chosen each month to receive $500 through a nominating process on the firm’s website www.bcattorneys.com. Nominations are accepted from students, former students and parents who wish to honor and thank a teacher who has had a profound impact on their life. Many teachers spend their own money to augment the costs of classroom supplies, field trips and other non-covered costs that arise throughout the school year. B&C hopes to alleviate that burden for one deserving teacher each month. In addition, the school where the educator teaches receives a check for $250 to be used at their discretion.
Nominations are open to all teachers in K-12 who teach in Maricopa County. Winners will be notified and then presented a check at their school by a member of Burch & Cracchiolo. Photos and/or video will be taken to post on the firm website and social media. To nominate go to www.bcattorneys.com, click on the “Nominate a Star Teacher” button and tell us why you think your teacher deserves the B&C Star Teacher Award.
About Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A.
Now with 43 attorneys, Burch & Cracchiolo is one of the Southwest's premier law firms. The firm was founded in 1970 by Haze Burch and Dan Cracchiolo and today the firm’s lawyers are among the most highly regarded and recognized leaders in the areas of business and corporate law, construction, criminal defense, estate and wealth preservation planning, family law, finance, labor and employment, litigation, personal injury and insurance defense, real estate, and tax law. The firm has a long history of giving back to the community through non-profit sponsorships, donations, and volunteer efforts.