News Just In
Pima County Legendary CTE Teacher
Congratulations to Dr. Maria Bicknell, Pima County JTED Legendary CTE Teacher!
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Maria Bicknell, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department Head at Pueblo High School, has been selected as the Pima County JTED Legendary CTE Teacher—an incredible honor recognizing her outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact on students and colleagues alike.
Chosen from among nominees across Pima County, Dr. Bicknell exemplifies what it means to lead with excellence, compassion, and innovation in education. Her work has profoundly shaped Pueblo High School’s CTE programs, creating engaging and supportive learning environments that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. As a mentor, teacher, and leader, Dr. Bicknell empowers students to connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities and inspires fellow educators to foster a culture of belonging and growth. Her guidance as a CTSO advisor continues to build leadership, teamwork, and professional skills in her students— preparing them to thrive in today’s workforce.
Charles McCollum, TUSD CTE Program Manager, added, “This award is a reflection not only of Dr. Bicknell’s excellence but of the dedication and heart that all of our CTE educators bring to students every day. We’re proud to see her honored for the extraordinary impact she makes within her school, community, and our district.” We are incredibly proud to celebrate Dr. Bicknell’s well-deserved recognition. Her passion, leadership, and commitment to students embody the very best of what Career and Technical Education stands for in Tucson Unified School District.
Congratulations, Dr. Bicknell—you truly are legendary!
From Principal Mr. Frank Rosthenhausler:We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Maria Bicknell, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department Head at Pueblo High School, has been selected as the Pima County JTED Legendary CTE Teacher—an incredible honor recognizing her outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact on students and colleagues alike.
Chosen from among nominees across Pima County, Dr. Bicknell exemplifies what it means to lead with excellence, compassion, and innovation in education. Her work has profoundly shaped Pueblo High School’s CTE programs, creating engaging and supportive learning environments that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. As a mentor, teacher, and leader, Dr. Bicknell empowers students to connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities and inspires fellow educators to foster a culture of belonging and growth. Her guidance as a CTSO advisor continues to build leadership, teamwork, and professional skills in her students— preparing them to thrive in today’s workforce.
Charles McCollum, TUSD CTE Program Manager, added, “This award is a reflection not only of Dr. Bicknell’s excellence but of the dedication and heart that all of our CTE educators bring to students every day. We’re proud to see her honored for the extraordinary impact she makes within her school, community, and our district.” We are incredibly proud to celebrate Dr. Bicknell’s well-deserved recognition. Her passion, leadership, and commitment to students embody the very best of what Career and Technical Education stands for in Tucson Unified School District.
Congratulations, Dr. Bicknell—you truly are legendary!
It is with deep pride and profound gratitude that I celebrate Dr. Maria Bicknell as the recipient of the Legendary Teacher Award for JTED. Dr. Bicknell is more than an exceptional educator; she is a culture builder, a mentor, and a force of connection who has left an indelible mark on Pueblo High School and the countless lives she touches daily.
As the department head of Pueblo’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, Dr. Bicknell leads with uncommon wisdom and extraordinary heart. She understands that thriving programs begin not only with strong curriculum and technical excellence but with climate and culture — the unseen fabric that binds a team and inspires greatness. She treats her department as family, creating spaces of belonging and care. In fact, rather than holding traditional meetings, she often gathers her colleagues for shared lunches, fostering relationships built on trust, respect, and mutual celebration.
Dr. Bicknell embodies John C. Maxwell’s reminder that “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” She leads not through titles or directives, but through genuine love and unwavering support. Her colleagues and students know they are valued, seen, and believed in — and because of this, they rise. As Parker Palmer so beautifully wrote, “Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher.” Dr. Bicknell’s integrity and identity are rooted in compassion, service, and deep professional skill.
This recognition is not simply an award; it is an affirmation of the extraordinary impact she has had — transforming classrooms into pathways of opportunity and turning a department into a thriving, joyful community. I am profoundly honored to serve as her principal and to witness daily the difference she makes.
Dr. Maria Bicknell is truly legendary — not just for what she teaches, but for how she uplifts, connects, and inspires all who have the privilege to know her.