About This Event
Join Tucson Values Teachers for Stand Up 4 Teachers 2026, our signature annual celebration honoring outstanding PreK-12 educators across Pima County. Presented by Tucson Electric Power, this evening brings together the Southern Arizona community to recognize the teachers who shape our students' futures.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Parking Instructions
Free parking will be available in the Lot C Garage and Surface Lot (Directions on Google Maps). If a parking attendant is present, they can help guide you to the Leo Rich Theater. Please do not scan the QR code to pay for parking; it is included with your ticket.
Food & Beverage
Hors d'oeuvres will be served throughout the evening, and two drink tickets will be provided to each guest. Please note that a light dinner beforehand is recommended, as a full meal will not be served.
Silent Auction
The Silent Auction for this event is now live online! With items like sports tickets and memorabilia, handmade art, custom jewelry, and services, there’s something for everyone! Bids will be accepted until 8:30pm, and winners will be announced via email. Place your bids now or at the event by visiting https://go.rallyup.com/su4t2026auction
Raffle Tickets
We will also be hosting a raffle at this year’s event. Tickets can be purchased for $20 for a sheet of 25. You will also receive an extra sheet of 25 tickets for free when purchasing $100 or more. Tickets will be available until the award ceremony begins, and winners will be announced online and at the raffle station following the event!
NEW: Pre-Purchase Raffle Tickets! You can now pre-purchase raffle tickets online ahead of the event. Once you arrive, a volunteer will distribute your tickets. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/standup4teachers2026/event/su4t2026raffle/
Cocktail Reception
Guests are invited to a cocktail reception prior to the ceremony. The evening opens with:
- Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and two beverages included with your ticket, with a cash bar on hand for anything more
- The return of live musician Erick Grillo, providing entertainment throughout the reception
- A silent auction and raffle featuring items and experiences donated by community partners
- Strike a pose at the photo booth, with professional photographers capturing the night as well
- The chance to leave a note of encouragement for each of this year's twelve E.L.E.V.A.T.E. finalists
- Mingling with educators, business leaders, and community champions, all in celebration of Southern Arizona's teachers
Awards Ceremony
Returning as Master of Ceremonies for a second year is Dee Cortez, StormTracker 4 Meteorologist for News 4 Tucson (KVOA), joined this year by fellow StormTracker 4 Meteorologist Chuck George. The evening's entertainment will also include live variety performances from Pima County's most talented youth. No Stand Up 4 Teachers celebration is complete without Lumify's signature video productions, a crowd-favorite tradition that returns to the big screen this year.
Excellence | Leadership | Engagement | Vision | Achievement | Transformation | Empowerment
This year's celebration spotlights the E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Award, generously sponsored by Raytheon | An RTX Business, whose longstanding commitment continues to elevate the teaching profession and celebrate the educators shaping Pima County's future. Twelve finalists will be honored on stage, with four awardees each receiving a $2,500 personal award plus an additional $2,500 gift to their school, and the remaining eight finalists each receiving a $500 award.
Spirit of Education Award: Desert Diamond Casino
Tucson Values Teachers will also present the Spirit of Education Award to Desert Diamond Casino, recognizing an exceptional and lasting commitment to supporting teachers and across Southern Arizona.
About This Event
Join Tucson Values Teachers for Stand Up 4 Teachers 2026, our signature annual celebration honoring outstanding PreK-12 educators across Pima County. Presented by Tucson Electric Power, this evening brings together the Southern Arizona community to recognize the teachers who shape our students' futures.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Parking Instructions
Free parking will be available in the Lot C Garage and Surface Lot (Directions on Google Maps). If a parking attendant is present, they can help guide you to the Leo Rich Theater. Please do not scan the QR code to pay for parking; it is included with your ticket.
Food & Beverage
Hors d'oeuvres will be served throughout the evening, and two drink tickets will be provided to each guest. Please note that a light dinner beforehand is recommended, as a full meal will not be served.
Silent Auction
The Silent Auction for this event is now live online! With items like sports tickets and memorabilia, handmade art, custom jewelry, and services, there’s something for everyone! Bids will be accepted until 8:30pm, and winners will be announced via email. Place your bids now or at the event by visiting https://go.rallyup.com/su4t2026auction
Raffle Tickets
We will also be hosting a raffle at this year’s event. Tickets can be purchased for $20 for a sheet of 25. You will also receive an extra sheet of 25 tickets for free when purchasing $100 or more. Tickets will be available until the award ceremony begins, and winners will be announced online and at the raffle station following the event!
NEW: Pre-Purchase Raffle Tickets! You can now pre-purchase raffle tickets online ahead of the event. Once you arrive, a volunteer will distribute your tickets. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/standup4teachers2026/event/su4t2026raffle/
Cocktail Reception
Guests are invited to a cocktail reception prior to the ceremony. The evening opens with:
- Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and two beverages included with your ticket, with a cash bar on hand for anything more
- The return of live musician Erick Grillo, providing entertainment throughout the reception
- A silent auction and raffle featuring items and experiences donated by community partners
- Strike a pose at the photo booth, with professional photographers capturing the night as well
- The chance to leave a note of encouragement for each of this year's twelve E.L.E.V.A.T.E. finalists
- Mingling with educators, business leaders, and community champions, all in celebration of Southern Arizona's teachers
Awards Ceremony
Returning as Master of Ceremonies for a second year is Dee Cortez, StormTracker 4 Meteorologist for News 4 Tucson (KVOA), joined this year by fellow StormTracker 4 Meteorologist Chuck George. The evening's entertainment will also include live variety performances from Pima County's most talented youth. No Stand Up 4 Teachers celebration is complete without Lumify's signature video productions, a crowd-favorite tradition that returns to the big screen this year.
Excellence | Leadership | Engagement | Vision | Achievement | Transformation | Empowerment
This year's celebration spotlights the E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Award, generously sponsored by Raytheon | An RTX Business, whose longstanding commitment continues to elevate the teaching profession and celebrate the educators shaping Pima County's future. Twelve finalists will be honored on stage, with four awardees each receiving a $2,500 personal award plus an additional $2,500 gift to their school, and the remaining eight finalists each receiving a $500 award.
Spirit of Education Award: Desert Diamond Casino
Tucson Values Teachers will also present the Spirit of Education Award to Desert Diamond Casino, recognizing an exceptional and lasting commitment to supporting teachers and across Southern Arizona.