Buckeye Union High School is proud to announce that our Theatre Teacher, Mr. Haslanger, has been recognized as an Ambassador of Excellence and is one of the top five finalists for the Arizona Education Foundation’s 2027 Teacher of the Year program! Mr. Haslanger was selected from a pool of over 150 candidates following a rigorous process that included an extensive application, video submissions, and a formal interview.
BUHS Principal, Biju Padmanabhan, speaks highly of the honor: “It is an absolute honor working alongside Mr. Haslanger. The dedication he has to providing the best possible opportunities and experiences for our students is unmatched. He contributes to our school on a grand scale and is always looking for ways to make things better. Our school - and I - are better because of him.”
Mr. Haslanger is deeply committed to helping students find their voice, their passions, and their confidence - both onstage and off. Through his work, he challenges students to discover the best versions of themselves within a supportive and inclusive community.
According to BUHS Dance Teacher, Mr. Nicholas Herring-Harman, "Michael Haslanger is an extraordinary educator whose creativity, passion, and dedication make a lasting impact on everyone around him. Working alongside Michael is always collaborative, inspiring, and genuinely fun, because he brings energy and innovation to every project and production. He consistently encourages both colleagues and students to think bigger, work harder, and believe in their artistic potential. His commitment to excellence in theatre and technical arts has elevated our Performing Arts Department, and he has created meaningful opportunities for countless students in our school. Michael's leadership, vision, and positive spirit make him exceptionally deserving of the Arizona Teacher of the Year recognition,"
As the Director of the Buckeye Union High School Theatre Company, Mr. Haslanger oversees three mainstage productions each year, provides technical support for the Music and Dance programs, and works to ensure every student on campus has a moment in the spotlight.
“I’m blown away by the amount of support I’ve received from everyone in the Buckeye Union High School District,” said Mr. Haslanger. “There are so many deserving educators committed to helping our students and our community. To be recognized as part of that effort is a tremendous honor.”
Mr. Haslanger sums up his philosophy simply: “Education is a collaborative effort. We are all invested in the success of our students - because they absolutely deserve the best.”
The Arizona Education Foundation will announce the 2027 Teacher of the Year on August 7th in Phoenix.
