PHOENIX — A Phoenix high school teacher is the winner of this month’s Pay Tribute to a Teacher award, presented by Your Valley Toyota Dealers.
Mark Campbell teaches a variety of subjects, including business management, business technology and algebra at two Tempe Union High School District campuses in Ahwatukee.
He describes his job as teaching children vocational skills so they can leave high school with certifications, which will prepare them for either post-secondary education or the workforce.
“I’m a part of the CTE department: career and technical education,” Campbell told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos on Friday. “CTE has expanded today into business management, engineering, culinary option, early childhood education — all these different programs through high school.”
Why Phoenix high school teacher won $2,500
Campbell, who is originally from Jamaica, has been teaching for 19 years. He works at both Mountain Pointe High School and Desert Vista High School.
“When I go to work, I’m there for my students. I pour into my students, and I told my kids at the end of the year, if there’s just two things I want you to say about Mr. Campbell, it’s ‘Mr. Campbell was honest and he was fair.’ So I approach my work like that,” he said. “I’m preparing them for life after high school.”
This isn’t the first award he’s won. Last year, the Tempe Coalition honored him for advocating for students both as a teacher and as a sponsor for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).
Now, he hopes to use the $2,500 Pay Tribute to a Teacher prize to help students — and help prepare for his baby daughter, who he expects to be born in three weeks.
“One thing I’ll definitely do is use some of those funds to supplement my FBLA program to provide opportunities for kids who financially may struggle with providing it for themselves,” he said.
The person who nominated Campbell for Pay Tribute to a Teacher said he has empowered various students through his FBLA service. For instance, he helps students through Market Day, a project that challenges students to design and build a business so they get hands-on experience in entrepreneurship.
The application submitted on his behalf described him as a strong male role model who leads by example and uses a practical teaching approach so students can see how what they’re learning will apply to their future professional lives.
“I may be the only male voice, the only male influence that they may hear on a daily basis, so my interactions with my students are very important,” Campbell said. “I take that seriously.”
Want to nominate somebody for the Pay Tribute to a Teacher award? Submissions are accepted here.
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