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Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce names Legacy teacher 2020 Educator of the Year

Posted 10/15/20

Sara Polina, a sixth-grade teacher at Legacy Traditional School in Queen Creek, was recently named Educator of the Year by the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce.

She was honored Oct. 8 at the …

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neighbors

Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce names Legacy teacher 2020 Educator of the Year

Posted

Sara Polina, a sixth-grade teacher at Legacy Traditional School in Queen Creek, was recently named Educator of the Year by the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce.

She was honored Oct. 8 at the chamber’s 2020 business awards presentation, an annual event highlighting businesses and individuals who are making a difference in the Queen Creek community. During the ceremony — held virtually this year due to the ongoing pandemic — colleagues lauded Ms. Polina as a “transformational leader” who goes above and beyond for her students, according to a release.

“Sara’s ability to develop genuine relationships with students is really nothing like I’ve ever seen,” Adam McCoy, principal of Legacy Traditional School-Queen Creek, said in the release. “She genuinely cares for each student individually; it’s not a one-size fits all for Sara. She really does take the time to get to know each student and cater to their needs. As a principal and as a parent, I’m grateful to have Sara Polina on my campus.”

She has been teaching in Arizona for 10 years. She started her career in Florence Unified School District where she taught English language arts for multiple grades and served as a mentor teacher for two years. In 2016, Ms. Polina accepted a fourth-grade teaching position at Legacy Traditional Schools’ Queen Creek campus — a move she calls “the best decision I have ever made.”

“Legacy is unlike any school I have ever seen. The staff and teachers are some of the most dedicated people I have ever encountered, and the students and parents are a dream,” Ms. Polina said in the release. “Words cannot express the gratitude I feel in earning this award. I have always had a passion for education and a passion for building relationships with students. They mean the world to me and have each had a meaningful impact on my life. I love the work I do, and being recognized for it is beyond an honor.”

Ms. Polina’s nomination video is at facebook.com/QueenCreekChamber/posts/10157623882648372.

To view the full 2020 Business Awards Presentation, go to youtu.be/X9gKIyITVnI.

Learn more about Legacy Traditional Schools at legacytraditional.org.