First-year teacher in Creighton School District awarded with Silver Apple

Silver Apple is sponsored by Desert Financial Credit Union
Ms. Noemi Espinoza, a 3rd grade teacher at Larry C. Kennedy School, was surprised with a Silver Apple award. Kylee Cruz tells us about the dedicated teacher.
Published: Mar. 19, 2025 at 8:40 AM MST|Updated: Mar. 19, 2025 at 9:03 AM MST
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PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Being a first-year teacher can be overwhelming, but one teacher in Phoenix is thriving and making a name for herself in the Creighton School District.

Ms. Noemi Espinoza teaches 3rd grade at Larry C. Kennedy School in Phoenix. Even though she doesn’t have much experience in the classroom, she’s already being recognized for her work and commitment to helping kids succeed.

“Going through college and stuff, I just decided teaching was my calling,” Ms. Espinoza said.

Ms. Espinoza grew up in the Creighton School District and feels lucky to be back in the same district where she started her education journey. Her students say she is sweet, kind and helps them understand the material, especially math!

Arizona’s Family surprised Ms. Espinoza with the Silver Apple Award with our sponsor, Desert Financial Credit Union.

“It feels amazing, just like being my first year, I would have never imagined this right now, so it feels really great,” she said.

Ms. Espinoza was nominated by her student, Simon, and his grandma, Tricia Laposky.

“He came from a school where he wasn’t doing very well, and now with his teacher’s work and his hard work, he’s getting A’s. We just love this school so much, and they really participate with the kids, she really helps him learn,” Laposky said.

Ms. Espinoza is making a difference in the lives of her students each day at Larry C. Kennedy School. It’s a full-circle moment for a Phoenix kid who’s now running her own classroom at the district she loves!

“I always wished to come back. The fact that I’m teaching them when I was their age, it feels really great,” Ms. Espinoza said.

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