Women Who Teach

As a long-time educator, Jeanette has built relationships with families she continues to see every day throughout town. “Life becomes full circle when the children of my former students come to my school. Having worked at multiple schools means I have extended family on multiple campuses. I enjoy working with these people who help me work through all the various challenging parts about being in public education. I don’t get that level of support anywhere else, and it is extremely important and gratifying.”   

In a landmark season for Prescott High School (PHS), the Girls Track and Field team made history in its 2025 season by securing the school’s first-ever girls state championship title. The athletes themselves and the steadfast leadership of Athletic Director Missy Townsend made the moment possible.

Yavapai College is breaking new ground in higher education with the launch of its accelerated Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Program. Designed to make college more affordable, accessible, and career-focused, this new model offers students the opportunity to earn a full bachelor’s degree in less time and at a fraction of the cost of traditional four-year institutions.

When Sheryl Gillum looks out across Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) Prescott campus each June, she sees more than classrooms and dorm halls—she sees possibility. As a long-time Arizonan and director of Embry-Riddle’s Upward Bound program, Sheryl has become a familiar face in the community, guiding underserved local teens toward the promise of higher education.

This summer, 34 bright students arrived at ERAU—eager to begin a six-week journey filled with academic challenges, leadership workshops and life-changing experiences.

Amanda Beland is a painter, teacher and entrepreneur. But the Prescott native is first and foremost, an artist. If you don’t get that, she’s happy to set you straight. She found her passion in airbrushing and prevailed against sexism and stereotyping to build a career out of it. As an adjunct instructor at YC’s Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC), Amanda shares the skills she developed, and challenges students to do the same.

Though only in her second year as math teacher and Student Council Advisor at Prescott Mile High Middle School, Katie Winter is no newcomer to the Prescott Unified School District (PUSD).