For 1 girl, teacher is smartest person

SCOTTSDALE - The Scottsdale Unified School District is highlighting Copper Ridge School first-grade teacher Nancy Crowell.

Here's what parent Michelle Trout had to say about her:

"Our 6-year-old daughter came home from school one day and was asked by her father, 'Who is the smartest person you know?' 'Mrs. Crowell,' she answered without a second's hesitation.

"Not quite the answer he was looking for, but one that sure makes a statement about the impact great teachers have on kids today.

"Mrs. Crowell's teaching abilities are amazing, and her overall philosophy is one that encourages our children to take an active role in their daily learning. As a parent, you hope and pray that your child has a teacher who will take the time to figure out what drives, motivates or stimulates him or her individually to do their personal best. Mrs. Crowell does this with her students, day in and day out. She is always smiling, and her level of patience with her classroom of 24 students simply baffles me. It has been almost three decades since I was found wandering the halls of elementary school. Memories of my favorite teachers always manage to take me right back to those times. There is no doubt in my mind that as my daughter becomes an adult, she too will look back to her younger days with fond memories of her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Nancy Crowell."

Achievements: Graduated summa cum laude from Ohio State University. Earned a BA in sociology and English. Also has a master's degree in education with a focus on literacy education and diverse settings.

Number of years teaching: 9.

Number of years at district: 5.

Number of years at Copper Ridge: 5.

Becky Kelbaugh is a communication support specialist for the Scottsdale Unified School District. To nominate a Scottsdale teacher, log on to susd.org.