Fulton Homes

They say those who can, do, those that can't, teach. But, those who know high school teacher Marian Haley dispute this cliche. They say she is not only an amazing educator, but an inspiration to everyone in her community. This week's Fulton Homes 'Teacher of the Week" winner is being honored for her generosity both inside her Government and Law classroom at Agua Fria High School in Avondale, and overseas.

Haley was nominated by Jed Littrell, a fellow teacher at Agua Fria, who has witnessed her positive outlook on life, and watched her organize events benefitting the community. Agua Fria students say Haley is best known for the valuable advice she gives them.

"There is not a single person that has walked by Ms. Haley's classroom without receiving a smile and the advice to 'make good choices'," said Littrell. "Thanks to her, many of our students have taken this to heart and go out in the world, thinking about their decisions thoroughly before making them. That speaks volumes to how much students respect her."

Haley has also organized events for her students to participate in real world activities. For the last several years she has put together a "Holiday Troop Drive". This allows her students to be hands-on collecting, packaging and shipping items to troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas of deployment. Items like toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, magazines and playing cards are sent to the soldiers. Other events she has organized include an annual student voter registration, and inviting a congressman to speak to students.

"A great teacher is one that inspires her students to not only excel academically, but also in their community," Fulton Homes CEO Douglas Fulton said. "Haley is truly a great role model that encourages students to get involved and make a difference."

Fulton Homes invites students and peers across the Valley to recognize those teachers who make a difference in other's lives with the 12th Annual Fulton Homes Teacher of the Week program, in partnership with KNIX Country Radio. The popular program, which serves to honor outstanding educators, continues throughout the school year, ending in June of 2012.

Teachers nominated will be entered for a chance to win a prize package that includes $300 in cash plus prizes from Fulton Homes and the Dairy Council of Arizona. The winning teacher will be surprised and presented the award by KNIX radio personality, Carolyn Coffey. Recipients of the award will also be spotlighted on the KNIX Morning Show with Ben and Matt, where they will receive special recognition on their Friday show between 6:20 - 7:20 a.m.

At the end of the school year, in June of 2012, the 34 winning teachers will be honored at a special luncheon, where one outstanding teacher will be chosen as the Fulton Homes "Teacher of the Year." Students can nominate their favorite teacher for Fulton Homes' Teacher of the Week by submitting a brief form at any Fulton Homes location or online at knixcountry.com. Winners are chosen based on their commitment to education, career achievements and impact on students' lives.

For more information about Fulton Homes Teacher of the Week, visit www.fultonhomes.com and click on the Fulton Foundation link, or visit knixcountry.com, keyword "Teacher."