Palo Verde High Magnet School

For the past three years, this outstanding educator has been making an impact at Palo Verde High Magnet School through teaching Creative Writing, ELD, and AVID courses, while also serving as the Creative Writing Club sponsor during lunch.
 
One of her favorite parts of teaching is creating meaningful experiences beyond the classroom. In the 25-26 school year, she took ELD and Creative Writing students on a field trip to the Botanical Gardens. While she initially expected students to remain within their own groups, she was inspired to see them connect across classes, make new friendships, and share experiences from their different backgrounds. One student pointed out a plant that reminded her of her home country, while another shared memories of herbs her mother used in cooking. Through these moments, students found common ground and deeper understanding of one another.
 
She is also passionate about providing students with opportunities to share their voices publicly. She hosted two student symposiums (one for ELD and one for Creative Writing) where students selected a culminating piece that represented a theme they discovered across their work throughout the semester. Students then performed their pieces in front of family and friends, creating memorable celebrations of growth, reflection, and self-expression.
 
Her teaching philosophy centers around growth through reflection and risk-taking. She encourages students not to fear mistakes, but instead to embrace the learning process. In her classroom, students are supported in taking creative risks, receiving feedback, and reflecting on their experiences in order to grow not only as writers, but as individuals. Whether in Creative Writing or ELD, her goal is to help students develop confidence in expressing themselves authentically and without fear.
 
Outside of school, she recently celebrated a major personal milestone by getting married in October 2025 and honeymooning in San Sebastián, Spain. She and her husband share a love of food, and her husband is both a musician and a chef.
 
In her free time, she enjoys short story and novel writing, reading, gardening, traveling, and yoga. She is also a published writer and proud cat owner to Pasta and Pickles.

Andrea Vazquez Mata is a proud graduate of Palo Verde High School, Class of 2012, whose journey has come full circle through her dedication to supporting students in the very community that helped shape her. Shortly after graduating, Andrea became one of the first AVID tutors at Palo Verde when the program was just beginning. Her passion for student success and college readiness later led her to become an AVID teacher, where she taught for two years and continued to strengthen her commitment to empowering first-generation students.

Now in her third year as the College and Career Readiness Coordinator at Palo Verde High School, Andrea continues to advocate for students as they prepare for life after high school. As a first-generation college graduate and Spanish-speaking counselor, she is deeply passionate about helping students recognize their potential and explore the opportunities available to them. She assists students with FAFSA applications, college applications, the ASVAB, scholarship opportunities, career exploration, ECAP planning, and JTED pathways while also organizing university field trips, panel discussions, Lunch and Learn events, and presentations designed to expose students to a wide range of post-secondary options.

Andrea remains actively involved with the AVID site team and holds the AVID mission close to her heart. She believes every student deserves access to opportunities and the guidance needed to make informed decisions about their future. Whether students choose college, the workforce, or the military, Andrea is committed to supporting them every step of the way and empowering them to believe in themselves and their ability to succeed.

Andrew Cassano is a proud product of Tucson Unified School District, having attended TUSD schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. His connection to public education and the Tucson community has remained an important part of his journey, eventually leading him back to serve students and families within the same district that helped shape him.

Andrew has spent the past 10 years at Palo Verde High Magnet School, serving in a variety of roles focused on student achievement and school improvement. He began his career as a Social Studies teacher, teaching courses including U.S. History, World History, AP U.S. History, and AP World History. During his time in the classroom, he also served as a department chair and worked closely with students to build their confidence, critical-thinking skills, and preparation for life beyond high school.

His passion for supporting both students and teachers eventually led him into the role of Curriculum Service Provider (CSP), where he supported teachers through instructional coaching, professional development, PLC collaboration, classroom observations, and data-driven instructional practices. Through each of these roles, Andrew has remained committed to Palo Verde and to creating opportunities for every Titan to succeed.

Andrew believes that strong schools are built through relationships, high expectations, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to the community they serve. As someone who grew up in TUSD and has now dedicated his professional career to the district, he takes great pride in being able to give back to the community that gave so much to him.

Outside of school, Andrew is an avid sports fan and especially loves hockey. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, working on projects around the house, and—like any dedicated hockey fan—finding time to catch a game whenever he can.