After two decades of teaching and nearly 15 years at Legacy, North Chandler teacher Judy Noneman credits her sons inspiring her to become an educator.
“I first realized I had a passion for helping children learn when I was a librarian. That passion then accelerated once my sons were born,” shared Judy.
“As opposed to introducing children to various books and authors, which I loved. Being a teacher allows me to ensure that every student in my classroom is supported,” explained Judy. “Each of my students can reach a higher level of excellence, and it is my job to help students get there.”
Why Legacy? As a former librarian, Legacy’s back-to-basics approach toward achieving academic excellence was very desirable. “I loved that Legacy took reading and library resources so seriously,” shared Judy. Equally crucial to Judy was that Legacy’s mission statement wasn’t just a series of words on a wall.
“Our mission is fundamental to how we teach and the educational partnership each Legacy teacher forms with their students’ supportive and involved parents,” said Judy. “I firmly believe that this collaboration between students, parents, educators, and administrators is one of the reasons that we are one of the highest-rated charter school networks in Arizona. This positive reinforcement at home and school ensures that Legacy students feel like they can accomplish great things. Because my students are motivated and high-performing, I can integrate challenges beyond the traditional classroom experience.”
Judy doesn’t see her role as teaching only or keeping high-performing students engaged and challenged. Instead, she sees her job as teaching life skills through these programs. In her classrooms, Judy prioritizes fostering environments where her students can make social and intellectual connections with their peers.
Students at Legacy – North Chandler “RISE” to the Occasion
Last year, RISE students at Legacy – North Chandler worked together to create a County Fair Amusement Park. Students in first and second grade made cotton candy, little paper people, and various creations for the amusement park. In third through sixth grade, students worked together and individually to create benches, arcade games, roller coasters, water parks, and a bus for visitors. Junior High Students (seventh and eighth grade) created the master plan for the park and carried the plan through to completion. This project challenges students to use various skills, including brainstorming, planning, designing, and, most importantly, teamwork. WATCH: RISE County Fair Amusement Park 2021
“At the end of the day, in both the RISE room and the computer lab, my goal is to teach the curriculum while fostering innovative thinking and creative problem-solving, which are skills that will help my students be successful throughout their lives.”