1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

ESL Instructor Named Distinguished Teacher of the Year

by: Christy Skeen

English/ESL instructor, Pam Rogers was recently awarded the 2002-2003 Distinguished Teaching Award for her contributions to Phoenix College and her students.

Rogers has been a member of the Phoenix College community since 1996 and has been extremely involved over the years with her work on ESL and Title V committees. For three years, she served as the ESL Department Director. Currently, she is the Chair of the ESL Assessment Committee and serves as the New Facility Orientation Coordinator.

"I am extremely grateful to Mike Mitchell who nominated me and to the people on the DTA committee who put in many hours of evaluation and decision making," said Rogers. "It is a humbling experience to have people come to a reception just for me, and I am in awe of the selflessness of so many of our PC employees."

The new Distinguished Teacher of the Year sees this award as one of her biggest accomplishments while at Phoenix College; however, she also considers "being able to help non native speakers conquer our confusing language and culture" as another one of her greatest contributions.

"This award shows me that I need to be an example for excellence in teaching," Rogers added. "The award is a springboard for the advancement of quality instruction. I hope to work harder than ever to figure out ways to assist our students and faculty and staff around me."

Rogers received a Distinguished Teaching Award plaque, as well as an expense paid trip to a professional conference and/or seminar of her choice (up to $1,500), where she will have an opportunity to share her teaching methods and techniques with other faculty members. She also will serve a three-year term on the Distinguished Teaching Award selection committee with her third year, serving as chair.

Her enthusiasm sums up her experience nicely with a 1970’s phrase.

"I have this passion for the students and love my job immensely, so I will just keep on keeping on."

Previous winners have included Tom Adamson (Math), Deborah Ermoian (Math), Mickie Bond (Biology), Dr. Jeanne Fitzgerald (Math), Delia Escalante (Foreign Languages), Linda Tramel (Child Family Studies), Dr. Albert Celoza (Liberal Arts), Cindy Brennan (Gerontology), Dr. Richard Melena (Culture & Applied Social Sciences), Ken Roberts (Applied Arts & Human Sciences), Liz O’Brien (Communication, American Sign Language, Theatre & Film) and Jed Allen (English/Creative Writing).