Congratulations to Mrs. Rombach, 2026 Arizona Middle Grades Teacher of the Year!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news: Julie Rombach, our 8th grade social studies teacher at Esperero Canyon Middle School, has been named the 2026 Arizona Middle Grades Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Association for Middle Level Education! This is one of the highest honors a middle school educator in our state can receive, and it could not be more well-deserved.

The announcement came as a complete surprise to Mrs. Rombach herself. When Principal Stacey Gist shared the news at Esperero's staff meeting, she was genuinely shocked to learn the honor was hers. Her reaction said it all: even someone who pours this much into her students every day didn't see it coming.

Anyone whose student has been in Mrs. Rombach's class knows what makes her teaching special. Rather than having students memorize dates and names, she builds immersive learning experiences rooted in inquiry, simulation, structured discussion, and evidence-based writing — pushing students to weigh multiple perspectives and argue their conclusions with confidence. Her signature project, the annual Civic Action Fair, has every 8th grader research a real community issue, craft an evidence-based solution, and present it to genuine community members, reflecting her belief that school should shape not just capable students, but engaged citizens.

Beyond her instructional approach, Mrs. Rombach has cultivated a classroom culture where students feel both challenged and deeply supported. She works closely alongside special education staff, families, and fellow teachers to keep expectations high while ensuring every learner has genuine access to rigorous instruction.

As her principal, Stacey Gist, put it: "She doesn't just teach history, she empowers the kids who will make it."

Association President Dr. Robert Caplinger echoed that sentiment, noting that her passion and steady belief in young people make her thoroughly deserving of the award.

Incredible, talented, and deeply invested educators like Mrs. Rombach are a huge part of what makes our schools so special — and why our students are so well prepared to become the engaged citizens and leaders of tomorrow.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Rombach on this incredible recognition! She'll be formally honored at the 2026 Arizona Middle Grades Summit at Arizona State University in September — an honor made possible through the sponsorship of Mountain America Credit Union.

Click to view the Arizona Middle Level Education press release.