Maureen Ortiz and Laura Auch
Phoenix Alternative High School
Cupertino, California

"We discovered that we could be more effective as a team�. with two brains, two sets of hands, two sets of eyes and ears, two hearts and two points of view, two positive attitudes and double the sense of humor."

Students come to this team with a history of negative behaviors, which have resulted in years of failure in the traditional approach to education. Maureen and Laura started Phoenix Alternative High School thirteen years ago to bring disenfranchised kids into a setting that was more student-friendly while helping to lower student dropout rates. The curriculum is not watered down but is actually more rigorous than expected. This teaching team is known throughout the district for working with kids considered "at-risk" who experience success and self-esteem under the tutelage, high standards, empathetic understanding and inspiration of these two teachers.

"Their team-taught classroom is an energy field of activity. Always upholding the highest standards and expectations, they believe students will flourish when provided an interesting, rich academic curriculum within a supportive environment."

"Beyond their curricular expertise, these two teachers reach into the heart and soul of disenfranchised teens and re-ignite a love of learning. These two women can turn a student's life around - they are modern miracle workers."

Other Highlights:

• Students spend one day a week for 15 weeks as mentors to 3rd graders from a highly diverse school population, learning about becoming role models as they help younger students learn and acclimate in their surroundings.
• Established "Teen Parent Panel Presentations" eight years ago that have significantly contributed in the drop of California's teen pregnancy rate. Teen parents speak with over 1000 students each year about 'diminished dreams' when one becomes a parent while still a teenager.
• Established Excel'ent Ventures, an extracurricular self-esteem building workshop for teens and parents. Over 1000 students and 600 parents from 15 schools have participated since its inception in 1991.
• First Team winners in 2000 for the National All-USA Teacher Team Award
• "Teachers of the Year" in the Fremont Union High School District