Arizona Western College Names Two Faculty Members as 2026 Teachers of the Year

Arizona Western College named History & Sociology professor Dr. Monica Ketchum-Cárdenas its Full-Time Teacher of the Year and Psychology professor Shara Skinner its Part-Time Teacher of the Year for 2026, the college announced March 12.

Both professors learned of the honor the way AWC apparently prefers: surrounded by the people they teach. Students and colleagues surprised each of them in their classrooms with the news, a moment the college described as central to how the recognition carries meaning. The two will receive formal recognition alongside other local educators at the 39th Annual Education Foundation of Yuma County Teacher of the Year Banquet on April 30.

The selection process at AWC is more rigorous than a simple nomination vote. Candidates submit a written portfolio and complete a video interview, with letters of recommendation from students factoring into the evaluation. A panel of past Teacher of the Year awardees then scores the nominees, lending the process peer credibility rooted in the institution's own history.

Dr. Ketchum-Cárdenas, who teaches at AWC's campus at 2020 S Ave 8 E in Yuma, spoke directly to what drives her work. "Being recognized as Teacher of the Year is an incredible honor, especially at an institution like Arizona Western College that puts students at the heart of everything we do," she said. "Teaching and learning go hand-in-hand, and I am lucky to engage with such a diverse and inspiring student population, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Creating inclusive learning experiences, developing new history and sociology curricula, and supporting students as they navigate their educational journeys are what truly energize me on a daily basis."

Her remarks point to a student population that is largely first-generation, a defining characteristic of AWC's enrollment and a context that shapes how faculty approach their classrooms. Skinner, recognized on the part-time side, rounds out a pair of honorees distinguished by their commitment to student success across two of the college's core disciplines.

Faculty or community members seeking more information about the Teacher of the Year program can contact W. Ila Peterson, Professor of Mathematics and Director of Faculty Development at AWC, at ila.peterson@azwestern.edu or (928) 344-7587.