PHOENIX — A math teacher at a Phoenix high school is this year’s first Pay Tribute to a Teacher winner. “I’m a second-generation math teacher,” Thomas told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce & Gaydos. “My mom was a math teacher, and I ended up in her class in high school. “And she does call me Dad.”Phoenix math teacher won first Pay Tribute to a Teacher award of 2026His skills at teaching math are only part of why he was nominated for this month’s Pay Tribute to a Teacher Award. This year, we’ve made 80 blankets so far.”Want to nominate somebody for the Pay Tribute to a Teacher award?