Known affectionately as “Mr. Anthony” by students, Anthony Pietrangeli has been principal of Kenilworth Elementary School in Phoenix since 2015. Pietrangeli began his career teaching special education and holds masters degrees in Special Education and Educational Leadership. In addition to being a certified principal in Arizona, he is a recipient of the Rodel Exemplary Teacher award and was the prior principal of Maie Bartlett Heard Elementary School in Phoenix from 2011–2015. Pietrangeli is married to his high school sweetheart with whom he has two children, Bella and Anthony.
Anthony.Pietrangeli@phxschools.org, www.phxschools.org/kenilworth
What does it mean to be an innovator to you?
When we asked why Principal Mr. Anthony is an innovator in education, the “Super Cool Kenilworth School” community had the following to say:
- Leads with his heart. Mr. Anthony always considers what is best for students when making decisions.
- Love. Not just the love for his job but the love for everyone involved. Mr. Anthony uses the words “I love you” to so many people every day, while bringing manners into everything with the words “please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome.”
- Clear communication. He will take the time with students, their families and teachers to ensure that everyone is heard and understood to welcome trust.
- Courage. He remains focused on his commitments to the students, their families and their teachers. The easy choice is not always the right choice, and Mr. Anthony has the courage to make the right choice with his team.
- Trust is the glue that holds all of our systems together. Mr. Anthony understands that trust needs to be earned by having his actions match his words; he will walk his talk to do all he can to keep everyone improving and moving forward.
MaryLou Gonzales
Coordinator of Language Acquisition for Phoenix Elementary District #1
A native Phoenician and proud Sun Devil, Gonzales is a first-generation college graduate who attained all of her degrees at ASU, including a bachelor’s in ESL elementary and three masters of Bilingual Education, Language and Literacy, and Educational Administration and Supervision.
“I was fortunate to have had great teachers that pushed me to further my education,” says Gonzales. “I am thankful for innovative programs, like Achieve a College Education and ASU’s Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program that truly prepared me to successfully pursue higher education. Early on I knew that I wanted to come back and work in the community I grew up in and become an advocate for student learning and outreach program opportunities.
“Building positive relationships has played an important role in my educational work, either through connecting with other educators who are also striving to reach all students or by connecting with our students and families to better understand what they seek in their educational experience.” marylou.gonzales@phxschools.org, www.phxschools.org
Carlos “Chico” Robinson
Educator & Community Advocate
Chico Robinson grew up the child of two high school teachers in a long line of educators, so it was no surprise when he chose teaching as a profession. As a middle school social studies educator, he was able to make valuable connections that helped his students excel in understanding the world around them. In the wake of the Red for Ed movement in AZ, Chico felt empowered by gaining a better understanding of the way politics and politicians were able to create change or block progress with regard to the public school system. In an effort to help engage other educators and their advocates, Chico created “Cafe con Chico e Isela,” a talk show with former state representative Isela Blanc. Through this platform, he hopes to elevate the voices and ideas of those who support Arizona public school students. He was recently selected for a fellowship through the National Education Association to foster his continuing work to encourage educators to stand up for their students and themselves. www.cafeconchico.com
New City Church
The nondenominational church in downtown Phoenix has acted like true neighbors to the Kenilworth School community, says Pietrangeli, serving students, their families and teachers. Shaun Horne, New City Church’s Justice and Care Pastor, oversees the church’s strategic ministry partners and leads the holistic care and response team to those facing significant trauma or who fall within the unhoused population. www.newcityphx.com
Great Arizona Puppet Theater
Nancy Smith, CEO and founding director of the Great Arizona Puppet Theater, began playing with puppets when she was 5 years old and never outgrew it. Smith co-founded the nonprofit professional puppet theater in 1983, which now serves more than 80,000 schoolchildren each year with engaging shows that further literacy and arts education, as well as celebrate Arizona’s heritage, cultures and natural environment, both on tour and in the theater. www.azpuppets.org, @greatazpuppets
Ballet Arizona
Ballet Arizona is dedicated to serving the people of central Arizona through Community Engagement programs, which touch the lives of more than 35,000 children each year. DanceAZ is Ballet Arizona’s after-school residency program that allows students to explore the world of dance, choreography, and performance, all while learning how to be themselves and make friends! Ballet Arizona teaching artists work with partner schools and centers to develop children’s social and emotional learning skills and 21st-century skills through this program. www.balletaz.org/danceaz
