Nancy Scruggs, a teacher at Paseo Hills Elementary School in the Deer Valley Unified School District, today is being recognized as this year's Arizona English Language Learner Teacher of the Year.

She is being honored as part of the OELAS annual "Direction to the Future" Conference at the Westin La Paloma in Tucson.

"Teaching English is the most critical skill our teachers can give to our ELL students. Once students acquire English proficiency, they will soar academically," said Arizona schools chief Tom Horne.
Scruggs teaches kindergarten, first- and second-grade ELL students at the northwest Phoenix school.

She says her most rewarding experiences include witnessing her students using their newly acquired English in their reading and writing and in conversations.

She also teaches adult English classes and shows parents how to assist in their children's learning.

Her instruction helps make letters and words come alive for her young students.

On one occasion, snow was delivered so students could experience the cold, make a snowman and wear mittens.