(March 25, 2025…Phoenix, AZ) Burch & Cracchiolo was pleased to honor Madison Simis Elementary School Kindergarten teacher Ciara delaRosa (left) as our Star Teacher for March, along with Madison Simis principal Lindsay Murray (right). Ciara has been teaching for 10 years but this is her first year teaching kindergarten, which she loves. She was nominated by one of her student’s parents who wrote:
It is an honor to nominate Mrs. delaRosa (Mrs. D)! My daughter Lucy attends Madison Simis and has the great pleasure of being a student of Mrs. D. I think we can all agree that a kindergarten teacher takes a special type of heart and soul, and Mrs. D exudes just that. Each morning, Mrs. D eagerly awaits the arrival of her 5-6 year old kindergarten students so she is the first smiling face they see each day. The smile on her and her student’s faces are worth a thousand words in their excitement and readiness for the day together. Mrs. D has taught for a decade in early education with this being her first year in Madison.
She is a master at her craft, she not only teaches from the heart, but with immense experience and knowledge of her students’ developmental level. Each lesson she teaches and activity she plans with her kindergartners is beyond methodical and thoughtful with the end goal always being focused on engaging, meaningful, and hands-on based learning. From simple small group set-ups to IB explorations, science experiments to study weather, imaginative ideas where students create freely to learn about regions of the world, reading students’ favorite books aloud, crafted student learning celebrations, to projects based on student interests, Mrs. D proves over and over how skilled she is at her craft. She not only incorporates family and student’s needs in everyday teaching but also in her daily communication with parents and students.
As a parent, I love nothing more than getting a school day report and update featuring photos of Lucy and all the excitement kindergarten has to offer. Mrs. D shows such care and love to each and every kindergartener, it truly warms my heart to see her excel in her role as a teacher. It would be remiss if I did not mention Mrs. D's remarkable adoration for her students. When you see them, all walking together during recess, giggling during a lesson, acting out a book or story, walking in a line together to lunch, or dancing to music during classroom transitions you see the shining light of pure joy and happiness she exudes. Mrs. D truly lets students excel and be who they are which is one of the most important skills you can teach. Mrs. D is a one of a kind soul and kindergarten teacher and she is without a doubt beyond deserving of this recognition!
Madison Simis Elementary is located at 10th Street and Myrtle in Phoenix and has 905 students K-4th grade and an additional 82 students in Pre-K. The school has an elementary level International Baccalaureate Program as well as a gifted program. Mrs. D. is going to let the students decide collectively what to use the $500 for!
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 a team of 50+ esteemed law professionals, 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. B&C has been honored as an AZ Business Angel by the Arizona Business Magazine in 2020, 2021 and 2022.