Fulton Homes

Tyler Heel creates a classroom environment that sparks a love of learning in his students. Tyler Heel has been nominated as this week's Fulton Homes "Teacher of the Week." Every week, Fulton Homes seeks out exceptional educators that make a difference in students' lives. The Fulton Homes education program is in its 12th year of spotlighting teachers that make a difference throughout the Valley.

Tyler Heel of Jack Barnes Elementary in Queen Creek was nominated by Molly Jacobs for inspiring her son to establish and reach for goals in school. After transferring schools, Jacobs' son begged to be anywhere but the classroom. However, all that changed when her son started the year in Heel's classroom, where students are given the tools to succeed. Heel promotes a strict, yet fun, learning environment where students can have success.

After thinking he was dumb at the start of the school year, Jacobs says her son, with the help of Heel, started to believe he was smart, reaching new achievements in school including high honors and the principal's list.

Heel gives his students the confidence that if they work hard, they will do well. "My son was paralyzed with fear when he started 3rd grade," said Jacobs. "Entering 4th grade, he is a different boy with a love for learning."

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."