Santa Rita Dental Assisting Teacher Honored as a 2025 Extra Yard for Teachers Grant Recipient

Santa Rita High School is celebrating a major achievement in Career & Technical Education! Dental Assisting teacher Ms. Jena Simental has been selected as a 2025 Extra Yard for Teachers Grant Recipient, an honor presented through the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, in partnership with the CFP Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers initiative.

This prestigious recognition is awarded to Southern Arizona educators who consistently go above and beyond for their students, demonstrating exceptional dedication, creativity, and commitment to student success. Ms. Simental will receive a $1,000 DonorsChoose grant to support her Dental Assisting program, along with tickets to the December 27 Arizona Bowl, where she and other honorees will be recognized on the field during a special game-day presentation.

A Celebration on Campus

The Santa Rita community came together to celebrate Ms. Simental’s accomplishment with a surprise recognition event on campus. Current and previous students, staff, and family gathered to honor her impact in the classroom and the legacy she is building within the Dental Assisting pathway.

The celebration highlighted her hands-on approach to preparing students for real-world careers, her consistent encouragement, and the safe, supportive learning environment she creates every day. It was clear from the energy in the room that this award reflects not only her achievements as an educator, but also the admiration and appreciation felt by her students and colleagues.

A Well-Deserved Honor

Ms. Simental’s work exemplifies the mission of Career & Technical Education within Tucson Unified: empowering students with practical skills, strong professional habits, and confidence in their future pathways. Her students thrive because she believes in them, challenges them, and ensures they have the tools and experiences needed for success in the dental field and beyond.

The TUSD CTE department is proud to celebrate Ms. Simental’s accomplishments and looks forward to the continued growth of the Dental Assisting program under her leadership.

Congratulations, Ms. Simental! Your passion, dedication, and commitment to student success make you a shining example of excellence in CTE.