23 Dedicated Lake Havasu City Educators Celebrated by District

Last week, the Lake Havasu Unified School District celebrated the achievements of 23 teachers during the monthly school board meeting. These educators, representing all eight district schools, were recognized for completing three years of teaching.

Lindsay Bitterman, the district’s director of human resources, emphasized the profound impact of experienced teachers. This acknowledgment signifies their advancement from probationary to “continuing teacher” status. “This achievement, often understated, marks the transition from promising novices to experienced practitioners,” Bitterman remarked. She further noted the importance of recognizing such accomplishments amid ongoing challenges in the educational landscape.

Staffing and retention issues continue to plague schools across the U.S., with similar trends mirrored in Arizona. New educators face higher turnover rates, particularly in their initial years. A 2021 study by the Arizona Department of Education revealed a concerning trend: many teachers leave the profession shortly after entering it.

The study found a significant drop in average years of experience among teachers, identifying that most teachers possess only two years of experience. The frequency of educators leaving the profession is particularly high within the first four years. In fact, data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicated that between the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, 16% of public school teachers either transferred schools or exited the field entirely.

During the recognition ceremony, Bitterman highlighted the national statistics, stating, “Only two-thirds of those who embark on this journey make it to this moment.” The teachers honored by the school board are:

**Havasupai Elementary:** Judi Barrett, Hannah Towns.

**Jamaica Elementary:** Carrie Clark, Erika Crook, Crystal Rodriguez, Victoria Smith.

**Nautilus Elementary:** Paige Batson, Zoe Powers.

**Oro Grande Classical Academy:** Sarah Luther, Avalon Nelson.

**Smoketree Elementary:** Catherine Arzate, Michael De La Cruz, Edgar Jumagbas, Alicia Lance.

**Starline Elementary:** Thea Hookey, Sabrina Kazmi, Sabrina Meli, Hanna Walgren, Michaila Young.

**Thunderbolt Middle School:** Naomi Severson.

**Lake Havasu High School:** Shannon Krull-McDonald, Genevieve Magbago, Carol Pichardo.