ASU spirit soars in classrooms everywhere

So far this fall, more than 4,000 Arizona State University alumni educators have received a back-to-school pack from the ASU Alumni Association.

To keep the spirit going, the association will still be accepting signups to receive the packs through Friday, Sept. 9.

Pre-K through college educators can visit alumni.asu.edu/sundevilteacherpack to sign up to receive the goodies, which include an “I am a Sun Devil Teacher” sign; paper clips shaped like Sparky, a cactus and the Sun Devil pitchfork hand sign; a “#42 ASU” dog tag; an ASU Alumni zipper pull; stickers; a paper megaphone; and more. 

This is the fifth year that the ASU Alumni Association has put together Sparky-themed school supplies and sent the gold-and-maroon-stuffed spirit packs to educators just in time for the start of classes. 

Watch: Sparky surprises teachers with swag bags

In classrooms across the country, ASU alumni educators have used the materials, and other cherished items and memorabilia from their own college days, to send ASU spirit soaring. 

“It is gratifying to read the wonderful responses from alumni educators who have received the teacher packs that the ASU Alumni Association provides annually,” said Christine K. Wilkinson, president and CEO of the association. “We appreciate the innovation, creativity and resourcefulness of Sun Devil teachers who use the resources with their students as they share their ASU pride and emphasize the importance of higher education.”

When requesting the Sun Devil teacher packets, ASU alums were asked, “How do you show your ASU spirit in the classroom?” Here’s how some of the Sun Devil teachers responded:

• “I use ASU gear (pens, notepads, cups), wear ASU shirts and display the ASU insignia. I also discuss with my students my college experiences and the fact that I graduated from ASU,” said Laura Alvarado-Coady, who teaches at Burk Elementary School in Gilbert, Arizona.
• “When traveling to schools on tribal lands, I am proud to display the pitchfork and wear ASU shirts/polos,” said Brook Curelyhair, who travels to high schools on tribal lands across Arizona for the Office of Indian Education.
• “While I now teach in Maryland, I put up Sun Devil spirit flags and banners around my room,” said Lauren Miller, who teaches at Oak View Elementary School in Silver Spring, Maryland. “At the beginning of the year, I make sure to show my students where Arizona is on the map so they know where Ms. Miller went to college!”

ASU flags, banners, hats and shirts were among spirit items commonly displayed, but there was a broad array of other ASU goodies, including: Sparky bobble heads; Sun Devil pens, posters and magnets; an ASU Starbucks container; an ASU graduation memories photo wall; spirit towels; and even a doormat that says, “Sun Devil Territory.” 

“I have so much ASU pride,” wrote Casey Hinde, who teaches at Shadow Ridge High School in Surprise, Arizona. “I have many of my college pictures posted around my classroom and ASU colors!”

Carrie Cicotte, a teacher at Crismon Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona, said she has a college corner with everything ASU. “I also have three ASU lecture chairs from surplus for students to sit in as an award,” she said. 

“I have two ASU pillows in my 'calm down corner' for students to use when they are expressing a need for a soft item,” said Ashleigh West, a teacher at Sunset Elementary in Glendale, Arizona.

Robert Vivian, who teaches at the Learning Center in Chandler, Arizona, says he has brought to his classroom a signed Sun Devil football helmet, posters, a Sparky doll and more.

Learn more about the ASU Alumni Association’s Sun Devil teacher packs and commitment to supporting educators at alumni.asu.edu/sundevilteacherpack.