Tucson Values Teachers

What Tucson Values Teachers does

Tucson Values Teachers (TVT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2008 as an initiative of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC), a coalition of more than 150 local business executives. The organization serves PreK-12 educators across seven Southern Arizona counties (Pima, Pinal, Cochise, Santa Cruz, Graham, Greenlee, and Yuma) through a portfolio of recognition programs, direct financial support, and digital platforms. Its mission is to elevate the teaching profession by addressing Arizona's documented teacher shortage, where 42% of hired teachers leave the field within three years and the Arizona Department of Education's Fall 2025 Teacher Shortage Impact Report flagged over 1,000 unplanned vacancies.

TVT's product surface spans three pillars. Recognition includes the Teacher Excellence Awards, the Raytheon-sponsored E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Awards, and the Leaders in Education Awards, which carry $15,000 cash prizes for K-12 teachers and their schools. Direct support is delivered through Tucson Supplies Teachers gift card drives, the Teacher Elevation Fund (Professional Development Scholarships up to $250 per year, CommunityShare Mini-Grants up to $500, and Future Educator Scholarships of $1,000 per year renewable for three years). The digital pillar includes Lumia, a district-verified peer-support community platform launched from beta in 2025 and expanded to seven counties in March 2026, plus the Teacher Discount Card mobile app (iOS/Android, launched January 1, 2026) and the MyTVT teacher portal (launched December 2025). Signature fundraising events include the Stand Up 4 Teachers annual gala, the Jim Click Millions for Tucson Raffle, the Fore the Love of Tee-chers TopGolf event, and the Old Pueblo Pickleball Palooza. The organization also runs the Principal for a Day program that connects business leaders with schools.

TVT's revenue model is entirely donation-based, with five primary streams: individual donations, corporate sponsorships across structured tiers (Platinum $15,000, Gold $10,000, Silver $7,500, Bronze $5,000, Honor Roll $2,500, Friends of TVT under $2,500), the Jim Click Raffle ($25 per ticket or 5 for $100), an exclusive $15,000 annual swag sponsorship, and partner discount program contributions. Major funders include the Helios Education Foundation ($400,000 grant in January 2025), Thomas R. Brown Foundations, Raytheon | an RTX Business, Tucson Electric Power, Jim Click Automotive Team, O'Rielly Chevrolet, CVS Health, AZ K12 Center, and MindPlay. The organization operates with a small core team of two full-time staff led by CEO Dr. Teresa Hill and Director of Marketing Danicka Allen, and partners formally with seven regional school districts (Amphitheater, Catalina Foothills, Flowing Wells, Marana, Sahuarita, Sunnyside, Vail). Since 2008, TVT has invested over $5 million in teacher support programs.

Name

Tucson Values Teachers

Legal name

Tucson Values Teachers

Website

https://tucsonvaluesteachers.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Tucson Values Teachers is a Tucson-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports PreK-12 educators across seven Southern Arizona counties through recognition awards, scholarships, supply drives, and digital platforms including the Lumia peer-support community, the Teacher Discount Card mobile app, and the MyTVT portal.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Education Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (6117), Educational Services (61)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAJAGAJ

Title I & Compensatory Education Programs

Education/K–12 / Primary & Secondary Education/K–12 Special Programs (Gifted, ESL/ELL, Remedial, RTI/MTSS)

Keywords

• Teacher recognition programs
• Educator support services
• Nonprofit education funding
• Classroom supply grants
• Professional development scholarships

Headquarters

HQ city

Tucson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Direct charitable contributions from individuals supporting teacher programs. Donors can make one-time or recurring gifts through the TVT website.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Event sponsorships and annual partnerships at multiple tiers (Platinum $15,000, Gold $10,000, Silver $7,500, Bronze $5,000, Honor Roll $2,500, Friends of TVT <$2,500). Includes logo placement, event tickets, and recognition at signature events.
3. Raffle Revenue: Jim Click Millions for Tucson Raffle tickets sold at $25 each or 5 for $100. Proceeds benefit TVT programs. Drawing held December 10, 2026.
4. Swag Sponsorship: Exclusive annual sponsorship at $15,000 providing recognition across all 2026 signature events with logo placement on swag bags and co-branded items.
5. Partner Discount Program: Premier Partners may donate percentages of sales, flat amounts per customer, or annual flat donations in conjunction with offering teacher discounts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Tucson Values Teachers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that delivers a portfolio of programs supporting PreK-12 educators across Southern Arizona. Core offerings include teacher recognition awards (Teacher Excellence Awards, E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Awards), direct financial support (Professional Development Scholarships up to $250/year, CommunityShare Mini-Grants up to $500, Future Educator Scholarships up to $1,000/year renewable for 3 years, and Tucson Supplies Teachers gift card drives), digital support platforms (Lumia peer support community, Teacher Discount Card mobile app, MyTVT portal), and signature fundraising/community events.

Product overview

Tucson Values Teachers operates as a multi-program nonprofit organization serving PreK-12 educators across Southern Arizona. The portfolio centers on three pillars: recognition programs (Teacher Excellence Awards, E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Awards, Teacher Appreciation Events), direct support services (Tucson Supplies Teachers, Teacher Elevation Fund with Professional Development Scholarships, CommunityShare Mini-Grants, and Future Educator Scholarships), and digital platforms (Lumia peer support community, Teacher Discount Card with mobile app, and MyTVT teacher portal). Signature fundraising events include Stand Up 4 Teachers annual gala, Jim Click Raffle, Fore the Love of Tee-chers TopGolf event, and Old Pueblo Pickleball Palooza. The Principal for a Day program bridges business and education communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Lumia Digital Platform A district-verified online community platform designed by educators that provides practical peer support, shared resources, and one-on-one mentorship to reduce teacher isolation and support retention. Free access for qualifying Southern Arizona educators across 7 counties (Pima, Pinal, Cochise, Santa Cruz, Graham, Greenlee, Yuma). Includes social feed, subject/grade-based groups, and one-on-one mentoring features.
• Teacher Discount Card A digital discount card program offering exclusive deals from local businesses to PreK-12 teachers in Southern Arizona. Available as a mobile app on iOS and Android with searchable directory of participating business partners and instant updates on new offers.
• Teacher Excellence Awards Annual recognition awards honoring outstanding PreK-12 educators for their dedication and impact on students and school communities in Southern Arizona, presented during Teacher Appreciation Week.
• E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Awards Annual awards sponsored by Raytheon | an RTX Business honoring exceptional PreK-12 teachers in Southern Arizona who demonstrate outstanding leadership and innovation, presented at the Stand Up 4 Teachers gala.
• Tucson Supplies Teachers Supply drive program providing gift cards for classroom supplies to help PreK-12 teachers in Southern Arizona equip their classrooms with necessary materials.
• Professional Development Scholarships Scholarships of up to $250 per year for Southern Arizona PreK-12 teachers to attend conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses supporting professional growth.
• CommunityShare Mini-Grants Education mini-grants of up to $500 for PreK-12 teachers in Southern Arizona to fund real-world learning projects and community partnerships through CommunityShare, connecting classrooms with local professionals.
• Future Educator Scholarships $1,000 renewable scholarships for 3 years supporting college students in Arizona pursuing teaching careers in Southern Arizona, including mentorship and educator network connections.
• MyTVT Portal Personalized digital portal for Southern Arizona PreK-12 teachers providing access to resources, scholarship and grant applications, and recognition programs.
• Principal for a Day Program Leadership experience program connecting business and community leaders with schools in Southern Arizona through hands-on principal shadowing opportunities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $5 million invested in teacher support programs since 2008
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Helios Education FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor platinum sponsor and presenter of Lumia digital platform. Awarded $400,000 grant to TVT in January 2025. Active in teacher professional development funding and platform development.
• Thomas R. Brown FoundationsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum sponsor and presenter of Lumia platform. Core funding partner for teacher support programs.
• Raytheon | an RTX BusinessflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresenting sponsor of E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Awards and Leaders in Education Awards. Major corporate partner supporting teacher recognition programs with cash prizes.
• Tucson Electric PowerflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresenting sponsor of Stand Up 4 Teachers annual gala. Platinum sponsor providing corporate support for teacher appreciation events.
• Jim Click Automotive TeamflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum sponsor and raffle donor. Jim Click Millions for Tucson Raffle donates vehicles and prizes to benefit TVT programs.
• O'Rielly Chevrolet, Inc.flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum sponsor and co-presenting sponsor of Stand Up 4 Teachers 2025. Major automotive sector supporter.
• AZ K12 CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum sponsor. Statewide hub for teacher professional growth offering resources and learning opportunities, workshops, mentoring, and National Board Certification support.
• CVS HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum sponsor providing corporate support for teacher wellness and recognition programs.
• MindPlaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum sponsor and featured teacher resource. Offers digital reading and writing programs for student literacy development.
• University of Arizona College of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold sponsor and founding partner. Hosts Teachers in Industry program with TVT, Science Foundation Arizona, and Raytheon since 2009.
• Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold sponsor and founding organization. Coalition of 160+ CEOs and business leaders that created TVT in 2008 to address teacher workforce challenges.
• Pima Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold sponsor. Partner in educator preparation and professional development initiatives.
• University of ArizonacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold sponsor. Major educational institution partner supporting teacher development programs.
• CommunitySharecoreTechnology or IntegrationFeatured community partnership connecting teachers with local professionals for real-world learning experiences. Powers CommunityShare Mini-Grants program.
• Legendary Teacher DaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBronze sponsor. Annual celebration initiative founded by Dr. Nicholas Clement honoring educators who make lasting impact on communities.
• Treasures 4 TeacherscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing low-cost and free classroom supplies to educators by repurposing donated materials.
• Tucson Regional Educator Collaborative (TREC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured community partnership of educators committed to teacher professional development, retention, and leadership development.
• CarePatrolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent partner for Old Pueblo Pickleball Palooza fundraising event.
• Amphitheater Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistrict Partner in TVT network. One of seven regional school districts participating in teacher support programs.
• Catalina Foothills School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistrict Partner in TVT network. Regional school district engaged with TVT programs.
• Flowing Wells Unified School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistrict Partner in TVT network. Regional school district engaged with TVT programs.
• Marana Unified School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistrict Partner in TVT network. Regional school district engaged with TVT programs.
• Sahuarita Unified School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistrict Partner in TVT network. Regional school district engaged with TVT programs.
• Sunnyside Unified School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistrict Partner in TVT network. Regional school district engaged with TVT programs.
• Vail School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistrict Partner in TVT network. Regional school district engaged with TVT programs.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• AdoptAClassroom.org: National nonprofit that lets donors adopt classrooms by funding teacher supply and resource needs. Directly comparable to TVT's teacher support and supply programs.
• DonorsChoose: National crowdfunding platform that lets teachers post classroom supply needs and donors fund them directly. Directly comparable to TVT's Tucson Supplies Teachers gift card and mini-grant programs, operating at vastly greater scale across the U.S.
• Fund for Teachers: National nonprofit that awards fellowships to preK-12 teachers for self-designed professional development experiences. Directly comparable to TVT's Professional Development Scholarships (up to $250/year) and Future Educator Scholarships programs.

Broad incumbents

• Communities In Schools: National nonprofit supporting K-12 student success through school-based coordinators. Comparable as a broad education-support nonprofit mobilizing community resources around K-12 outcomes.
• Teach For America: National organization recruiting and training teachers for high-need schools, with significant Arizona presence. Comparable in addressing teacher pipeline and retention challenges at much larger national scale.

Regional players

• Helios Education Foundation: Arizona-based education foundation that funds teacher pipeline, preparation, and retention initiatives. Flagship funder of TVT ($400K grant in 2025) and a peer in the Arizona teacher support ecosystem.
• Expect More Arizona: Arizona-based education advocacy nonprofit focused on elevating education outcomes statewide. Comparable as a regional education nonprofit mobilizing business and community support for educator and student success.
• AZ K12 Center: Arizona statewide hub for teacher professional development, mentoring, and National Board Certification support. A TVT partner with overlapping focus on teacher growth, retention, and recognition.

Others

• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: National organization that advances accomplished teaching through board certification. Comparable as a teacher recognition and professional standards organization, intersecting with TVT's recognition programs.

Emerging players

• Memphis Teacher Residency: Regional teacher preparation and retention program focused on addressing urban teacher shortages. Comparable as an emerging player targeting the same teacher pipeline and retention challenge TVT addresses.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tweet4teachers
• YouTubeyoutube.com/tucsonvaluesteachers
• Facebookfacebook.com/TucsonValuesTeachers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tucson-values-teachers
• Instagraminstagram.com/tucsonvaluesteachers
• TikToktiktok.com/@tucsonvaluesteachers

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tucson Values Teachers