“Jeremy is a great teacher with very high expectations for all of his students,” said fellow teacher, Laurie Jake who nominated Dittrich for the recognition. “As a lifelong athlete himself, he makes learning fun, but more importantly he shares his great love of fitness with the students, which ignites their interest as well.”
Whether coaching in the classroom or on the sidelines, Dittrich looks for innovative and creative ways to engage his students. He has had students create ‘commercials’ for fitness gyms highlighting the benefits of exercise. He instituted a quarterly hiking field trip not only to help his students improve their fitness but also learn the value of lifelong physical activity. This program also added to the morale at the school as he enlisted other staff to volunteer for these activities. He has also coached basketball and wrestling, coached for Mountain Pointe High School football, served as an advisor and coordinator for Centennial’s Minitown event and serves as a youth leader in his church.
“Jeremy shows an unwavering commitment to improve the lives of young people,” said Jake. "He always has a kind word or comment to share with students and his fellow staff memebers."
2010 -11 Teachers of the Month
SeptemberPeggy Shupp, Desert Garden Montessori School, Phoenix
OctoberAngela Scafaru, St. Matthew’s Elementary, Phoenix
NovemberCarole Cardenas, Career Success High School, Phoenix
DecemberCarolyn Cain, Harris Elementary, Gilbert
JanuaryJeremy Dittrich, Kyrene Centennial Middle School, Phoenix
FebruaryArlen Sykes, Kyrene de la Colina Elementary School, Ahwatukee
MarchTammy Wildening, Cochise Elementary, Scottsdale
AprilKatie Gerrich, McClintock High School, Tempe
MayJeremy Rose, Melvin E. Sine Elementary, Glendale