We are a team committed to excellence.
In a safe learning community rich in the arts, sciences, and languages, we are dedicated to developing nobility of character, cultivating academic success, honoring diversity, and promoting physical and environmental responsibility.
The well-known phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” reflects ACCLAIM’s approach to the school environment. We believe that it takes a whole school team to educate a child. Everyone here strives to provide a safe, nurturing environment where students can thrive and achieve their best, both academically and socially.
Our teachers have experience levels from just entering the field to over 30 years as educators. We have team members from three continents, eight countries and various parts of the U.S. This adds to the rich educational experience students receive at ACCLAIM.
Take a look at who we are!
After graduating from ASU with a major in education and minors in Spanish and music, I taught in bilingual programs in Guadalupe and Tolleson. I received my Masters in Bilingual/Bicultural Education from NAU and started ACCLAIM Academy in 1997.
Creating a culture of character with a richly diverse staff and engaging curriculum makes ACCLAIM a great place to come to every day.
Now in our 30th year, I consider it an honor to serve the students, parents and staff of ACCLAIM Academy.
Entering my 40th year in education, 33 as an Administrator, I am honored to be a part of the team at ACCLAIM Academy. I came to ACCLAIM in 2021 and instantly knew that I had found a “hidden gem”. Blending academic excellence with a central emphasis on building character through the Virtues Project makes ACCLAIM a unique and special culture for students and staff. Combining this with my belief that good choices and clear expectations are the foundations of success, I see a school where we all have the tools to make the world a better place…Together!
At any early age math was my favorite subject. I would try to calculate answers to problems in my head, and I wanted to be the fastest in the class. During high school, my math teachers made math fun, and I felt I could do the same for students. I decided to focus on a career in education and graduated with a degree in mathematics from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).
I moved to Arizona from El Paso, Texas in 2019 and joined the ACCLAIM staff in 2021.
Originally from Upstate New York, I moved to Arizona in 2018 and have enjoyed experiencing all that the Southwest has to offer. When not outdoors, you’ll usually find me lost in a good book!
I’ve been part of the ACCLAIM family since 2021—starting in the library, moving to 7th grade ELA, and now teaching 8th grade ELA. It’s been an incredible journey building relationships with our students and sharing my love for reading and writing. Strong readers make strong thinkers—and strong thinkers change the world.
Greetings! I go by the name Mr. Teibo, although many students affectionately refer to me as Mr. Tee. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Botany/Microbiology and an MBA in General Management, I have dedicated over two decades to teaching science in both high school and middle school settings. My passion for guiding students towards greatness remains unwavering. I thrive on pushing my students to unlock their full potential, firmly believing in their ability to achieve success. As an educator, my role is to serve as their guiding light on the path to excellence.
Blending creativity with curriculum to ignite a passion for learning has been my approach as a classroom teacher for 7 years. I believe in turning challenges into opportunities for growth and exploration, and transforming traditional lessons into interactive experiences.
I’m excited to be your guide on this educational journey. Join me in a classroom where innovation meets education, and curiosity is always encouraged! Let’s explore, learn, and grow together!
Hello! Hailing from Cebu, Philippines, I have ten years of experience educating students from Grades 1-9. I hold a Bachelor of Arts with minors in Social Science, Mathematics, Physical Education, and Humanities. I strive to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every student is treated equally and learning becomes an enjoyable experience. I am committed to helping my students reach their full potential by making education as dynamic and playful as possible. I am thrilled to join the ACCLAIM Academy family, look forward to sharing my culture and experience with the students, and anticipate a wonderful year ahead with the school.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA before moving to Phoenix, I graduated from Grand Canyon University with a B.A. in Christian Studies. Since then, I served as the Director/Founder of a Children’s/Family Ministry for 3 years, and worked as a Teacher Assistant in a Montessori School.
I came to know ACCLAIM Academy during a year-long fellowship program for future teachers. After working in many different schools throughout Phoenix, I knew immediately that ACCLAIM Academy was special. I fell in love with the Virtues curriculum and everyone’s dedication towards excellence. I am honored to be a part of this school!
I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Residing in Arizona for the past 30 years, I received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from ASU West.
I have 20+ years in the teaching profession and joined the ACCLAIM Team in 2005.
As a teacher, I stand for organization and cleanliness along with routines and habits that will help my students master skills for life.
My name is Audrey Mathias, and I am proud to be at ACCLAIM Academy !!! I have been here for the last 5 years. I hail from India, with a Masters degree in English Literature and Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
I have a true passion for working with our young learners!!! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development— is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun and safe environment.
I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development.
My name is Jessica Bustos and I have been part of the amazing team of ACCLAIM Academy since 2012. I graduated from ASU in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Every day I come to work with a mission, to instill the love for learning in my students.
“Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.” Michelle Obama
Hello! I am originally from the Philippines where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. I first came to ACCLAIM Academy in 2019 and taught 1st through 5th grades. I returned to the Philippines for two years where I taught 3rd grade and got a Master’s degree in Special Education. Now I am excited to begin another year here.
My goal is to help students grow, build confidence, and enjoy learning every day in a caring and supportive classroom. I look forward to making this school year a fun, positive, and successful learning experience for every child.
I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. With a bachelor’s degree in Elementary English and a Master’s in Instructional Design with E Learning, I have been teaching for more than eight years.
I moved to the States three years ago to teach here at ACCLAIM Academy. As a teacher I love to create materials for my students and always make sure the learning experience at school is fun and exciting.
I am a first grade teacher at ACCLAIM, where every day brings the joy of watching young learners discover, grow and believe in themselves.
Originally from India, I bring over 18 years of teaching experience and hold a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education and a three year Diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Since joining the ACCLAIM Academy family in 2018, I have truly enjoyed being part of a school community built on 30 years of excellence and commitment to student success. In our classroom, we engage in hands-on activities, exciting projects and interactive games all aimed at making an education a source of delight.
I am a proud educator from the Philippines with 9 years of teaching experience. With a heart dedicated to teaching, I am honored to work with kindergarten and 1st grade students, helping them explore the world around them while building strong academic foundations.
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education, a Certificate in Early Childhood Education, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education, allowing me to provide personalized, compassionate support for children with diverse learning needs. I’m excited to work alongside parents, colleagues, and students to create a bright, and inspiring future for our young learners.
I am proud to be part of ACCLAIM Academy since 2014. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from ASU.
I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development academic, social, language, and motor is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.
A passionate educator, I proudly hail from the beautiful country of the Philippines. Over the past 13 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching students from kindergarten through high school. My academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Literature, a Master’s in English Language Teaching, and a Master’s in Special Education. I’m thrilled to be part of the Exchange Teaching program at ACCLAIM Academy. I love experiencing different cultures and sharing my own with my students, and am deeply committed to contributing to their academic and social growth by helping them reach their fullest potential.
I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Puerto Rico. This is my first year at ACCLAIM Academy, and I am so excited. I look forward to working with you and your child.
Thank you in advance for trusting me with your most precious possession. I promise to treat your child the way I would want my child to be treated and will do my best to make this an amazing year.
Welcome! I am thrilled to bring a joyful, high-energy approach to ACCLAIM Academy’s fitness program. With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a decade of coaching experience, and ISSA certifications in Personal Training, Health Coaching, and Nutrition, my mission is to help students build strong foundations for a healthy, vibrant life. I passionately believe that movement is one of our greatest tools for mental health, balance, and lifelong wellness.
Practicing what I preach, I strength train early in the morning, run, and hike. When taking a break from fitness, I’m a big fan of history, geography, comic books and anime. I can’t wait to move, learn, and achieve great things together this year!
I have taught art at ACCLAIM Academy for six years. My career began in Interior Design, but I got the opportunity to teach Art in Saudi Arabia’s International School in Riyadh. After that, I was hooked teaching kids. After nine years overseas, I returned to the United States where I have taught art for over 20 years. I love teaching students and watching their talent for art grow.
Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an Artist”.
I wholeheartedly agree with that, and I’m honored to help them develop their talent.
Hello! I am excited to be part of the ACCLAIM Academy family. I grew up in Glendale, Arizona then went up north to NAU where I got a BS in Exercise Science. Afterward I went to ASU and got a Masters degree in Elementary/Special Education. My first teaching experience was 2nd grade in 2020, and this year I’ll be teaching Music.
Having grown up around music, and dancing in a Mexican ballet folklorico group for several years, I love music and am excited to share my joy, passion, and knowledge with the students. I am looking forward to having a fun and positive musical year together.
I’ve been working in public schools since 2014. In 2017 I started working as a school librarian and have loved it ever since. My favorite parts of working in the library are making sure that students have access to books, helping students choose the just right book, and making sure that the library is a safe place for all students. I’m happy to be joining the ACCLAIM Academy family for the 25/26 school year, and am looking forward to working with staff, parents, and most importantly, students, as we cultivate their passion for reading!
I have had the pleasure of providing technology services for ACCLAIM Academy for over a decade. Finding innovative solutions to real world problems is my passion. I enjoy building multi-worksheet spreadsheets, resolving integrity errors, and perusing technical manuals. Rebuilding damaged laptops and returning them to useful service is also source of great satisfaction.
My family and I moved to Arizona from central California so we could be closer to family in Sonora, Mexico. My professional experience in California included 18 years doing maintenance and landscaping at a high school, owning and working my own landscaping business, and working with my uncle on his sweet potato farm. I enjoy landscaping – being outside in the sun and creating a welcoming environment. It has been peaceful working at ACCLAIM and I’m glad I’m here.
At ACCLAIM Academy, we believe in creating a diverse and inclusive community of learners. Our admissions process is designed to identify students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a genuine desire to make a difference in their communities.
