Alison Cutler

For more than 50 years, PHOENIX magazine's experienced writers, editors, and designers have captured all sides of the Valley with award-winning and insightful writing, and groundbreaking reporting and design.

Portland East Middle School Principal Amanda Rippy leads her building with a simple question in mind: "Is it best for kids?" Her reflective mind-set has helped build a culture of continuous improvement that mirrors the broader mission of Sumner County Schools: To prepare students for success in college, career and life. Over the last year, Rippy and her team celebrated […]

From left: Portland East Principal Amanda Rippy, Chief Academic Officer Frankie Skinner, Lamar Totten, Superintendent Dr.

As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, which was May 4-8, the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) interviewed Amber Guthrie, a seventh-grade ELA teacher at Portland East Middle School. A longtime educator in the community, Guthrie has spent 24 years teaching at the same school, where she’s helped generations of students build confidence, set goals and take ownership of […]

As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, which was May 4-8, the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) interviewed Amber Guthrie, a seventh-grad