Midvale Elementary DLI Teacher is CSD’s 2025 Teacher of the Year

Lucia de la Cruz Rodriguez is at her best when she’s building connections.

The Midvale Elementary third-grade Spanish-English Dual Language Immersion teacher rarely stops moving throughout the day. She’s in constant motion, going from student to student, giving high-fives and high praise for work well done.

“I love paying attention to my students,” says Rodriguez, who was announced Tuesday as Canyons District’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. “They have so many things to say and not just in a verbal way. This is my chance; this is my opportunity to do better and to grow. Honestly, every year I’m learning something different, and I am doing something better.”

As the District’s top teacher for the year, she received a $1,000 cash prize from the Canyons Education Foundation, as well as other gifts and prizes. She also will be Canyons’ representative in the 2025 Utah Teacher of the Year selection process, which is part of the National Teacher of the Year competition.

“I can’t think of anyone who deserves this more,” says Midvale Elementary Principal Carolee Mackay. “She’s always talking about her kids and what great things they’re doing. They want to be in her class, and they love learning with her.”

Rodriguez, the first DLI teacher to win CSD’s top-teacher prize, was one of a trio of finalists for the 2025 honor. Albion Middle’s Lauren Nielsen and Diamond Ridge High’s Alastair Wright rounded out the list of finalists. 

Wright is the first educator from CSD’s alternative high school to be named a finalist.

Nielsen received $500 as the CSD Middle School Teacher of the Year. Wright also received $500 as the CSD High School Teacher of the Year. Rodriguez was the top pick for the elementary level.

In all, the Canyons Education Foundation contributed some $32,000 for the CSD’s Teacher of the Year program, which culminated in Tuesday’s ceremony and red-carpet reception at Midvale Middle. The Corner Canyon cheer squad kicked off the event by leading the capacity crowd with a rousing cheer of “Canyons teachers rock!” 

Then, to the applause from friends, family and colleagues, every Teacher of the Year was announced on the stage before receiving a crystal award from the Canyons Board of Education.

In addition, Real Salt Lake presented the teachers with RSL jerseys and two free tickets to the June 14 Real Salt Lake game at America First Field. During the game, which has been designated as Canyons District Night, the teachers will be recognized on the field at halftime. 

Discount tickets to Canyons District Night will soon be available to the Canyons community.

Canyons District’s Teacher of the Year selection process begins with a month-long nomination window in January.

Students, parents, and employees are encouraged to submit nominations for teachers who deserve accolades. From those nominations, each CSD school and program picks one teacher to be honored and join the field of teachers to be considered for that year’s overall District award. This year, more than 4,000 nominations were submitted.

Also honored at the ceremony were the Preschool Teacher of the Year, Quail Hollow’s Amanda Kissell, and the Instructional Coach of the Year, Eastmont Middle’s Susie Young.