The University of Arizona College of Education is proud to celebrate alumna Tiffani Jaseph, a dedicated K–5 Special Education teacher at Copper View Elementary School in the Sahuarita Unified School District, who has been named 2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year. With 15 years of service in education, Jaseph has built a teaching career grounded in compassion, inclusivity, and a deep belief in the potential of every child.

Jaseph’s approach to teaching is rooted in the heart. As she shares, “In my classroom, the number one curriculum is love.” She continues, “I want my students to be seen for who they are and what they can do, not what they can’t do. It’s important to see their abilities. Inclusion isn’t just about inviting someone to sit at your table; it’s about believing they truly belong there.” 

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Her philosophy reflects the foundation she built at the University of Arizona College of Education, one she still speaks of with profound appreciation.

“Looking back, my impressions of the preparation I received from the College of Education for my career in training was that it was truly amazing. I felt like I was exposed to a variety of classes that were very helpful, such as PE classes, math classes that explored higher level and diverse thinking, a class for special education that exposed important information and allowed for a well rounded mindset when it comes to teaching, and also opportunities like methods classes that took a deeper dive into teaching strategies and children’s literature. The end of my education and road to graduation allowed for student teaching, which was the most important part, as it allowed for hands-on learning. This to me was the most valuable part! I learned the most in that last semester and received the opportunity to practice as a teacher.

For my master's degree, which was for special education, also came with amazing preparation classes. I was able to learn about assessments, diverse learning styles and disabilities, and I also had the privilege to travel to Mexico with the Resplendor program to learn about students with disabilities with English as a second language. I felt like my master's classes really allowed for a deeper dive into everything. I even had a class concentrating on children’s literature that really allowed me to learn and be exposed to so many different cultural books and writing styles to reach all students from many backgrounds.

In sum, what I truly appreciated was the U of A College of Education’s efforts to expose potential teachers to the diverse learning styles and backgrounds our students come with. I felt as though the program(s) took pride in research-based teaching and truly prided themselves with hands-on learning experiences as much as possible. I truly appreciated my time at the University of Arizona, and I am ever so proud to be an alum!!”

As the 2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year, Jaseph is now serving as a state ambassador for education, sharing her voice, her experience, and her commitment to fostering inclusive classrooms where every student belongs.

The College of Education is beyond proud of Tiffani and celebrates all she has accomplished. Her work continues to inspire Wildcats, both present and future, to lead with empathy, practice with purpose, and champion the diverse learners in our schools and communities.