When Alta View colleagues and parents speak of Dr. Silvia Iglesias, they use words like energetic, warm, and professional. They also say she radiates joy and is a model teacher. Senorita Iglesias, as her students call her, has created a positive and safe environment in her classroom as she teaches first graders how to speak Spanish. Introducing students to a new language is a challenge on its own, but Iglesias, who runs an efficient and organized classroom, goes beyond simply teaching the language. She introduces her students to Spanish culture and traditions. As the leader of Alta View’s Spanish DLI Team, she encourages faculty to work in collaboration. Parents enjoy her outreach efforts, too, and know that she worries when children miss even a day of school.  

When Altara Elementary needed a fifth-grade DLI teacher, Ana Vinuesa agreed to take on the task.  Unsurprising, her jump from third to fifth grade has been nearly seamless. In the last three years at Altara, Vinuesa has helped her students grow in both their language proficiency and individuality. Fellow teachers describe Vinuesa’s teaching style as welcoming and warm. Her classroom is a safe place to learn new things, no matter how challenging. Many students have called her their favorite teacher, saying she helped them grow in so many ways. One parent called her teaching “true education” and remarked that she makes a difference in the lives of all children who pass through her classroom. It’ll be a sad farewell for the Kittyhawks, but Vinuesa is returning to Spain later this year. They hope it won’t be a permanent goodbye — but an “hasta luego.”  

No matter how many students are in her class, Laura Rasmussen finds the time to learn what makes every child tick. She learns their likes, dislikes, strengths, and what they need most to succeed. With that in mind, she then tailors her lessons to help the whole class succeed. Parents say Laura goes the extra mile, even overcoming language barriers, when it comes to her students. Academic data show that all of her students are making growth in both reading and math. Several parents and students mentioned in Teacher of the Year nominations for Rasmussen they love her Monthly Family Math projects and STEAM lessons. Said one parent: “She is extremely compassionate and patient. She has truly set the bar high!”

Abigail Wilcox shows her Brookwood Bears honey-sweet kindness. It’s why children feel safe and comfortable in her care. In a nomination for the Teacher of the Year honor, one parent remarked on her son’s challenges at the beginning of the year. The student was filled with anxiety and did not want to go to school. “Ms. Wilcox did an incredible job at making my son feel validated and safe. He felt comfortable talking to her about how he was feeling, which was so amazing,” said the parent. “She didn’t make him feel like he shouldn’t be feeling the way he was feeling and eventually, he realized he learned different coping mechanisms and is now thriving and absolutely loves school.” This student is not an outlier — Wilcox’s caring approach has led to strong connections with her class. In return, her students work hard and take risks in their learning. Said another parent: “Ms Wilcox is amazing, structured, and well-spoken. She has done an amazing job with my son this year. I cannot thank her enough for all her help.” 

Kindergarten can be a tough adjustment for some children. With a cheerful smile, Emily Balls helps those kiddos face their fears, embrace their school-day schedules, and develop a love for learning. A grandparent of one of Balls’ students nominated her for the Teacher of the Year honor, saying that it’s impressive how much her class has progressed in a matter of months. In a short period of time, her students have become hard workers and good listeners. They have learned letters, addition and subtraction. While those may be simple tasks to those who have already surpassed kindergarten, they’re also the stepping stones for future academic success. “Ms. Balls has been the most amazing teacher for our son,” said one parent. “This is his first year in school and he’s had some struggles. She has really taken time to help him so much and we just appreciate how amazing she is.”  

As the saying goes, communication is the key to success. Heidi Wilcox delivers clear and explicit instruction to her students and then makes sure parents are constantly updated on what is happening in the classroom. From making calls to parents to sending photos of classroom projects to holding informative Parent Teacher Conferences, Wilcox works hard to strengthen the school-to-home connection. Wilcox’s classroom is touted as a well-oiled machine. Within those walls, she sets firm boundaries and sets high expectations.  In a nomination for the Teacher of the Year honor, one parent said Wilcox “exemplifies the qualities which make an outstanding educator. Her impact extends beyond the classroom, positively influencing the lives of her students and contributing to the school’s overall success.”  Said another parent:  “We hit the teacher jackpot this year with Ms. Wilcox.”  

麦迪逊·康斯丁 (Madison Considine) 从 5 岁起就立志要成为一名教师。小时候，她会把玩耍的时间都用来假装自己在领导一个班级。当她的父亲回忆起这些记忆时，他说他毫不怀疑她会成为一名优秀的教育工作者。同事们评论说，这位二年级老师努力参加额外的专业发展课程或向其他教育工作者寻求建议，以便她能成为这个不断发展的世界中最好的教育工作者。老师和家长都说她做事有条理、勤奋，把学生的需求放在第一位——甚至自掏腰包确保学生在需要的时候吃早餐或零食。她甚至安排家访，据说即使是最难对付的学生，她也能表现出惊人的耐心。她的学生说，当他们答错时，她的反应是告诉他们，“没关系，下次你会答对的！”她真的过着她小时候想象的生活。  

当麦迪逊·桑森得知她的一名新学生对上学感到焦虑时，她和 Crescent 小学的校长安排时间进行家访。桑森送给她的新学生一只毛绒玩具，欢迎他们来到她的班级并建立新的联系。正是这种奉献精神让她的学生、家长和教育界同事钦佩不已。她对 Crescent 社区的承诺不仅限于课堂，还延伸到她的同事和工作人员。她在整个学年中定期进行家访，与学生的家人联系，当以前的学生在走廊看到她时，他们会跑过去拥抱她。桑森总是面带微笑，为孩子们创造一个可以学习和成长的温暖环境。一位同事这样评价桑森：“她与学生建立了良好的联系，让家长参与并了解最新情况，并始终把学生的幸福放在第一位！”   

当德雷珀小学的幼儿园学生回家时，他们会兴奋地告诉父母他们一天的经历——尤其是如果他们在杰米·沃德尔的班上。他们为自己所取得的成就感到自豪。沃德尔的学生喜欢上学是因为她的影响，这已经不是什么秘密了。家长们说她是一个特别的人，她对每个学生都给予理解和耐心。虽然沃德尔今年刚进入德雷珀小学，但她在学校社区中茁壮成长，与学生建立联系并支持他们的每一步。校长罗尼·穆尔奎恩·德雷珀这样评价沃德尔：“她的学生不仅在学习学术方面茁壮成长，而且在学习善良、同情心和如何成为一名好公民方面也茁壮成长。”

While Fangaafa Tuifua has been teaching for just under a decade, “Miss Fatai” joined the team at East Midvale Elementary two years ago — and immediately made her mark on the school community. In her first year, Miss Fatai planned a Pacific Islander Month activity and taught her students about the culture and geography. “Not only was she sharing a piece of her identity that so many of our own students relate to,” said one colleague, “but she was setting a precedent for monthly celebrations recognizing other cultures across the globe.” As the leader of the student council, Ms. Fatai spearheaded Operation Sandwich. For this activity, students made 100 sandwiches for those who are experiencing food insecurity. Miss Fatai continues to build on her already stellar skill set by working on a master’s degree and serving as a Teacher Fellow. She has been described as fun, engaging, and inspiring — and a vital part of the East Midvale community.  

Ask any second or third grader at East Sandy Elementary who their favorite teacher is and odds are their answer will be Elise Hillstrom. Hillstrom can’t make it from the door to her classroom without a rush of students hoping for a hug. Parents say their children are showing drastic improvements under Hillstrom’s guidance. There is no doubt that she’s the captain of her classroom and makes sure all her students, especially those learning English as a second language, are learning the task at hand. “She leads them in such a way where the class more often than not are the ones to bring along the ESL kids,” says one parent. It’s well-known in the school community that Ms. Hillstrom’s teaching style blends kindness with high expectations. Said another parent: “She is exemplary in her relationships with her students and it shows in their development, as well as their attitude toward school and learning.”

When parents, students, and teachers describe Glacier Hills Elementary teacher Mallory Robbins, they use phrases such as “my favorite teacher ever,” “encouraging.” and “respectful,” just to name a few.  It’s her nature to spark a love of learning in her students. One parent even says their daughter is sad when there is a substitute teacher for even a day. Fellow teachers say she is an advocate for all students and is mindful of the morale of the entire school community. Robbins also has a flair for fun while being fierce in a quiet and compassionate way. Said one colleague: “Ms. Robbins builds a strong classroom and community where her students know they are loved and respected.”

Adriana Velazquez is sowing the seeds of success in her students. It’s clear her students are flourishing as their young minds grow and mature. Parents of Velazquez’s students say they can see she cares deeply for all her students. “She sees each student as part of the class, bringing individual gifts to benefit the class as a whole,” remarked one parent. Velazquez steadfastly provides a positive learning environment. In her class, students are celebrated for their individuality. Wrote one parent in a nomination for the Teacher of the Year award:  “She is caring and teaches with calm authority, which has made my son feel safe to be himself at school.” 

凯蒂·雷德 (Katie Redd) 是孤峰小学走廊上的一盏明灯。她带着灿烂的笑容，指导学生在学业和社交方面取得进步。家长和其他老师都对她提高班上学生读写能力的能力印象深刻。在实现这一目标的同时，她还为近 50 名参加普通话-英语双语沉浸式课程的学生提供支持。她从学生的角度看待课程，以找出如何与他们一起解决问题的方法。她还创造了积极的学习环境，并确保每个学生都感到自己很重要。雷德还邀请家长到教室与学生一起参加“阅读马拉松”。一名学生这样评价雷德：“我喜欢上她的课，因为我知道我可以依靠她来帮助我进步。”

对于米德维尔小学一年级老师 Sarah Patchel 来说，没有什么任务是太大或太小的。Patchel 通过与所有米德维尔同事营造合作文化，对课堂以外的学生产生了积极影响。作为回报，她的同事们也对她渴望分享自己对教育年轻人所学到的知识表示感谢。Patchel 与学生建立了牢固的关系，同时也建立了界限和常规。一位米德维尔教员说，Patchel 是“杰出教育工作者的绝佳典范，她在整个职业生涯中都在完善自己的教学技艺。她是专业精神的典范，展示了她对学生的关心和参与，以及他们在职业各个方面的成功。”全州各地的领导人甚至来到 Patchel 的教室观看和学习。从第一天到最后一天，Patchel 帮助小野马们为实现梦想做好准备。  

帕特里斯·罗杰斯的工作很艰巨。她的任务是让米德瓦利五年级的学生做好离开小学、加入中学高年级学生的准备。罗杰斯通过营造一种鼓励学生掌握自己教育的课堂环境来实现这一目标。因此，在年初进入罗杰斯班的学生在离开时已经准备好迎接中学的挑战。一位家长在提名年度教师时表示，罗杰斯“非常关心所有学生的幸福和成功”。另一位家长表示，罗杰斯正在业余时间攻读硕士学位，她可能只是短暂地担任孩子的老师，但会成为他们一生的啦啦队长。 

Alexi Morris is a problem-solver. Undeterred from facing challenges, Morris works to find solutions, much like the students in her class tackle mathematics problems. Students say Morris, who teaches in the French-English Dual Language Immersion program, is nice but knows exactly the tone to take to keep the class on task. But even when she needs to correct behavior, students know she cares. She takes the time to support her students outside of the classroom, showing up at extracurricular activities to cheer from the sidelines. One parent sums up Morris’ devotion to her students this way: “It’s often the ones who aren’t easy to love who need love the most, and she truly gives love abundantly to all.”

Rebecca Milner recognizes that students learn so much more at school than academics. One parent said that Ms. Milner “realizes that little brains as well as little lives are being formed.” Milner continues to improve her craft, working toward her master’s degree while teaching full time. Milner began her career as a reading interventionist. She then started teaching kindergarten — and never looked back. When visitors to Oakdale walk past Milner’s classroom, they see engaged and happy students. Former students often stop by her classroom to say hello. Parents of Milner’s students say kindergarten teachers are unsung heroes who prepare their students to excel as they enter their formative education years. Milner, said one parent, “understands her responsibilities go beyond teaching the ABC’s but include modeling kindness, compassion, and respect for everyone.”

化腐朽为神奇是杰米·麦当劳的学生所擅长的。麦当劳称她的幼儿园学生为“柠檬领袖”，因为他们表现出善良、尊重和奉献等品质。麦当劳的冒险精神让她的学生每天都兴奋地来上学。“我女儿非常喜欢上学，她曾经假装没生病，这样她就不会缺课，”一位家长在谈到她孩子在麦当劳课堂上的经历时写道。“我将永远感激我的女儿在麦当劳老师的带领下开始了她的学校之旅。我觉得她给了我的孩子一种学习的快乐，我希望这种快乐能持续一生。”麦当劳每天一到就叫出每个孩子的名字，她在教学中表现出自信，并将纪律和爱心恰到好处地结合起来，帮助她的学生发挥出最大的潜力。麦当劳为那些努力追赶的学生提供方法，同时也为可能需要更高级材料的学生提供机会。正如一位家长所说：“皮格马利翁即使尝试，也不可能想象出一位比他更好的老师。”

Bethany Smith patiently coaxes the best out of her students, especially when they are struggling to master a concept. Said one parent: “Our twins are thriving and love to be in her class. She is very nurturing and makes them feel welcome.” Smith is collaborative, meticulous, and fosters an engaging learning environment. In fact, in a nomination for Teacher of the Year, another parent said she is a “dedicated and inspiring educator who has left a mark on our school community.”  Yet another nomination letter praised her positive demeanor.  “Beth is always smiling and happy to be at school with her students. She’s really good at making everyone feel important and that she genuinely cares.”  

显然，Sam Madej 热爱教师这个职业。许多 Quail Hollow 家庭表示，他们不止一个孩子在 Madej 的课堂上学习过，而且到学年结束时，所有孩子都取得了显著进步。一位家长表示，Madej 竭尽全力确保他们刚刚进入学校的孩子从第一天起就感到受欢迎。这个家庭仍然非常感激 Madej 为学生提供支持，帮助消除新生的紧张情绪。她的奉献精神也延伸到了课余时间。Madej 还指导“奔跑女孩”，这是一个促进身心健康和力量的下午课程。她温柔体贴，包括定期向家长发送便条，提醒他们孩子的进步情况。从她所有的努力中可以清楚地看出，她的学生是她最关心的人。  

Intelligent. Fair. Charismatic. Humble. Passionate. Honest. These are just a few of the words often used to describe Fengin Li, a teacher in the Mandarin-English Chinese Dual Language Immersion program. Li helps her students progress in not just language acquisition but all the core subjects. She has a talent for ensuring her students become confident learners. She also provides reports to parents on day-to-day events and learning activities. One parent recounts how her two children were struggling with one subject, and Li stayed late three days a week to work with just the two of them. In a nomination for the Teacher of the Year award, one parent said Li is “absolutely committed to providing each child”  the gift of learning.  

Sandy Elementary’s Denée Bringhurst has been described as a “master teacher” whose structured classroom is also a welcoming learning environment. Bringhurst often arrives early and stays late to work with struggling students. With children and colleagues alike, she brings out the best in everyone she meets. Her work ethic is admired in the school community — where she’s taught for more than 25 years. She’s a Sandy Shark through and through and has been key to building and maintaining the growth-mindset culture at the school. Bringhurst even spends some of her free time attending her student’s sporting activities. From the sidelines, she cheers for them and encourages them to become the best they can be — just like she does at school. 

Chelsea Prime 将她班上的孩子称为“学者”。毕竟，这正是她努力帮助他们成为的。她通过专心倾听问题，然后用孩子们容易理解的语言提供温和的指导，激发了孩子们对学习的热爱。从在课堂上采用新技术到以极具感染力的热情应对挑战，Prime 对学生成长的关注始终没有偏离目标。在同龄人中，她以敬业、友好和支持而闻名。即使是最小的细节，例如她的学生是否害怕坐校车，也逃不过她的关注。此外，家长们也喜欢她让他们了解课堂活动和学习活动的方式。在年度教师奖提名中，一位家长表示 Prime“是任何人都能要求的最好的老师”。  

作为一名教师，Shannon Salzsieder 完美地融合了温暖和智慧，同时为学生提供了学习和成长的黄金机会。她精力充沛，帮助组织集会，主动在人行横道站岗，并带头开展艺术项目。在所有事情上，她都竭尽全力提升 Sprucewood 学校社区。Salzsieder 将艺术融入学习，使她的课堂变得有趣和吸引人。Salzsieder 正在攻读艺术教育硕士学位，她的研究已经使她的学校成为一个更加丰富多彩、富有创意的地方。她的实践课程和与学生的联系表明她是学生的拥护者，并全心全意地投入到他们的进步和成功中。校长 Cathy Schino 说 Salzsieder“是所有孩子的真正拥护者，并随时准备扩展她的技能工具箱，帮助所有学习者成长。”  

日出小学五年级凯拉·斯莱克班上的学生们亲切地称自己为“斯莱克班”。一旦成为这个班的一员，你就是终身成员。“斯莱克女士帮助我度过了一些非常艰难的时期，”一位前学生在年度教师提名中写道。“她是我最喜欢的老师。”通过创新教学，她在课堂上灌输对学习的热爱，让学生感受到爱、被包容和归属感。斯莱克要求她的学生写一封信给他们“六年级的自己”，然后在他们开始上中学时把信寄给他们。当然，在信封里，她还放了一张手写的鼓励便条。她总是与家长沟通，并及时解决任何疑虑或问题。一位家长说，Stack“除了为他们提供中学所需的适当知识和学习机制外，还让他们具备了应对青春期前生活的社交技巧。”

每所学校都需要像 Heidi Ballou 这样的老师。她用心教学，关注学生的个性化需求，激励学生每天学习和成长。家长们说 Ballou 的教室是孩子们的安全港湾。学校社区的许多家庭都有多个孩子上过她的课，家长们都说她让他们的生活变得更好。今年，Ballou 的一些学生正在学习英语作为第二语言，她熟练地弥合了语言鸿沟，让他们能够跟上班上的其他同学。对 Ballou 来说，转为全日制幼儿园似乎毫不费力。一位大孩子上过 Ballou 班的家长说：“我一直认为 Ballou 女士是一位了不起的老师，但今年我看到了她和我的学生发生了令人难以置信的转变。Ballou 女士对课堂需求的创造力和知识是无与伦比的。她以有效的方式与孩子们沟通，为所有参与者创造了一个有趣而令人兴奋的学习环境。在她这个老师的指导下，她的孩子们获得了如此多的知识和教育！”  

如果有一种新颖而有创意的方式来教授一个概念，那么请相信 Kimberly Peterson 能找到它。Peterson 在整个 Willow Springs 小学社区都以一位引人入胜的老师而闻名，她会将自己的想法融入到她教授的每个主题中。从科学实验到蜡像馆再到传记写作，她给即使是最难学的课程也带来了乐趣。但她真正的才能在于她与学生的相处方式。她了解他们——他们不在学校时会做什么，以及他们的所有爱好和兴趣。艰难的时刻也不会阻止她。无论这一天有多艰难，她第二天都会面带微笑地出现，准备再次努力。她的幽默感也帮助了她的同事。“每位老师都知道在适当的时候笑是多么宝贵，”另一位 Willow Springs 老师说。“我期待着每天与她一起教学，我知道她的学生都喜欢她。”  

阿尔比恩中学的学生在进入斯蒂芬妮·纳赛尔的课堂时可能会有些担心自己无法达到她的高期望——但他们离开时总是感到坚韧和自豪。同事们说，纳赛尔在高期望与温暖、爱和积极之间取得平衡，学生离开她的课堂时知道他们可以做困难的事情。一位家长这样描述她女儿在纳赛尔课堂上的经历：“我女儿在上纳赛尔女士的课之前讨厌英语。一开始，她说：‘纳赛尔女士对我们要求太高，期望太高。’现在她喜欢英语，甚至把英语测试成绩提高了很多！”纳赛尔于 2017 年加入阿尔比恩的教职员工队伍，提升并振兴了学校社区。校长埃里克·加德纳说：“有她当老师的学生是最幸运的。她管理严格，完成了为高中做准备的重要工作。”

陈文瑞让每个学生都觉得自己是属于他的班级的。中文 DLI 班的青少年也说他让他们开怀大笑——这对于中学生来说是一个相当大的赞美。他的班级并不轻松，但陈文瑞亲切地指导他们学习这门全球语言的复杂之处。  

他还以带吉他帮助学生通过歌曲学习语言而闻名。学生们想对陈老师说“谢谢”，感谢他允许他们自由地以自己感兴趣的方式学习，并在他们遇到困难时鼓励他们。他的学生也称赞他给了他们第二次机会。有趣的是，陈老师的多次年度教师奖提名几乎全部来自他的学生。一名学生在她的提名中写道：“陈老师帮助我们理解他所教的内容，而且在教学过程中非常友善——考虑到我们班的情况，这可能真的很难。”  

埃莉·西伯恩的科学课是许多学生的家外之家。即使有近 200 名学生，她也能找到与每个学生建立联系的方法。她了解学生的兴趣，并经常询问他们的家庭情况。当她不在德雷珀公园时，她会在一所小学做志愿者，将她的科学课程与低年级学生正在学习的内容联系起来，让他们对在中学上科学课感到兴奋。“西伯恩女士是我见过的最棒的老师，”一名学生说。“她用最简单的方式解释了最令人困惑的事情。她真的是一位了不起的老师，应该获得这个奖项。”同事们说她是学生和同事的真正拥护者。她帮助其他老师发挥自己的优势，同时也是一位高效、受人尊敬的团队领导。一位同事说：每个学生、每所学校、每个学区都需要像埃莉·西伯恩这样的老师。  

斯蒂芬妮·戴维斯 (Stephanie Davis) 一直是伊斯特蒙特学校积极、热情的文化建设中不可或缺的一部分。如果你是戴维斯班上的学生，你一定不会怀疑她是站在你这边的。当学生走进教室或在走廊上与她擦肩而过时，她会与学生击掌。戴维斯鼓励她的初中生不仅要考虑眼前的事情，还要展望未来。爱国者队的下一步是高中，但戴维斯鼓励他们想象如果他们发挥自己的潜力并着眼于奖励，他们的生活会是怎样的。一位前学生为戴维斯写了这样的提名：“她帮助我度过了中学时光。每当我过得不顺时，她总是知道如何让我振作起来。她是如此善良和体贴，没有人比她更适合获得这个奖项。”她在伊斯特蒙特的六年里以多种方式建设了爱国者队。她对学校和伊斯特蒙特学生团体的影响是持久的。  

同事们说，亨里克森最大的优势之一就是与学生建立牢固的关系。他会花时间与学生交谈，了解他们，学生们也因此爱他。这一点从许多老学生在每节课结束后都留在他的教室外打招呼就可以看出。正如一位提名者所说：“亨里克森先生是我七年级的老师，他教会了我很多东西。今天，我在学校和日常生活中仍然运用着他教给我的很多东西。他非常有趣，他与学生的互动让我每天早上走进他的家门时都对自己感觉很好，激励我成为今天的我。”学生们愿意在他的课上努力学习，因为他们知道他关心他们。一位提名学生说：“亨里克森先生是一位了不起的老师。他总是会为我们想出有趣和引人入胜的活动，以帮助他的学生学习。” 

健康教育从来都不是件容易的事，而当你的听众是一群正处于尴尬的成熟期、身材瘦长、爱笑的青少年时，健康教育就变得更加困难。这确实很微妙，但林赛·尼科尔森 (Lyndsay Nicholson) 有本事让她的 Indian HIlls 学生不那么畏惧。一名学生说，尼科尔森让一个“不有趣”的话题变得有趣。另一名学生说，她是一位“各方面都很出色的老师”，还有一名学生说，“即使孩子们调皮捣蛋、不听话、不尊重人，她也总是知道如何处理。”尼科尔森因确保每个学生在她的课堂上都感到舒适而受到称赞。她倾听学生的意见，帮助他们解决他们可能无法立即理解的问题，确保每个人都能理解并能够继续前进。“当我们学习困难和可怕的话题时，尼科尔森女士让学习变得有趣，她以一种不可怕的方式教授他们，让学习变得容易理解，”一名学生说。 “几乎我认识的所有上过尼科尔森女士的人都说她是最好的老师。”  

作为一名西班牙语-英语 DLI 教师，Daniel Aguilera 不仅帮助了乔丹山中学社区，还帮助了全州的教师。Aguilera 先生不断在课堂上进行创新，并与其他教师合作。他的目标是让乔丹山中学成为最好的学习场所。家长们说，Aguilera 先生的教学方式很亲切。他不只是教他们一门新语言。他帮助他们认识到他们有能力克服艰难的挑战。学生们说，当他们需要帮助时，他们从不担心寻求帮助——如果他们做错了，他从不羞辱他们。相反，他简单而友善地向他们展示如何改正。家长们说，他做得不止这些，给学生信心，让他们不仅成为好学生，而且在他们所做的一切事情上都取得成功。 

中学生总是担心别人怎么看他们。对于一些青少年来说，站在人群中会让人感到紧张。这正是 Union Middle 的 Brooke Grant 发挥作用的地方。作为戏剧老师，她为学生创造了一个安全的空间，让他们可以舒适地站在聚光灯下。她的课堂充满活力，山猫队队员们可以在这里尽情展现他们古怪、笨拙和有趣的一面。一位获得年度教师提名的学生说，Grant 在表演前的鼓舞人心的讲话正是她所需要的，可以让她忘记紧张。在 Grant 身边，很难度过糟糕的日子，因为她的积极性具有感染力。即使是不在她的班上的学生，也会对她大加赞赏，为她对校园的影响鼓掌。从她的学生说话的方式来看，她值得在每节课结束时起立鼓掌。  

Alta Hawks students soar in Kevin Clyde’s mathematics classes.  “Mr. Clyde is a phenomenal math educator who has strategically placed whiteboards throughout his classroom walls to facilitate problem-solving for his students,” one student wrote in a nomination for Clyde. “Rather than handing out specific notes, he inspires us to craft our own. His upbeat demeanor and engaging approach to math make him a joy to learn from.” Clyde has worked at Alta for eight years and serves as the school’s math department chair. He also coaches the Math Modeling Team, which currently ranks as one of the best in the world. Said another student:  “I am disheartened that I only have the opportunity to learn from him for one year. If it were up to me, I would relish the prospect of having Mr. Clyde as my math instructor for every year of high school at Alta.” 

“He makes chemistry make sense.” That is what one Brighton High student said about Austin Gillespie, who teaches advanced topics in a way that nearly everyone can understand. Parents watch with delight as their children become inspired to excel in Gillespie’s class.  They enjoy seeing their students progress and remark on the positive impact he has on the Bengals. Gillespie keeps his students laughing while they do their lab work, but it’s serious business when they start preparing for the AP tests. Gillespie’s students reward his hard work by notching impressive AP pass rates. Those who have seen him in action say it’s almost as if Gillespie inherently understands the nuances of teaching. He truly leaves a lasting impression on his students, many of whom say they will always be grateful for the lessons they’ve learned in his class.  

Corner Canyon High 的 Baylee Riley 将多种媒介融入到她的课程中，使她的课堂成为对绘画、陶艺、摄影或版画等艺术感兴趣的学生的创意空间。Riley 显然对艺术教育充满热情。但她更致力于确保她的学生看到创意表达的美。她激励人心、充满热情，鼓励学生大胆尝试。一位提名 Riley 获得年度最佳教师荣誉的学生表示，这位老师继续为该学生的摄影事业提供建议。另一名学生说：“作为一名高年级学生，我可以自信地说，Riley 女士是我一生中遇到的最有影响力的老师，她让我在失去对艺术的热情后再次爱上了艺术。” 

When Jace Reber was hired to teach at Hillcrest High, he was working as a custodian at Cedar City High and delivered pizza as a side hustle. He’d nearly given up finding a teaching job after unsuccessfully interviewing for several years. Reber didn’t waste any time making the most of his position at the home of the Huskies. “Jace started with a bang, and as principal I knew he was going to be great,” says Principal Greg Leavitt.  “I felt lucky other schools had passed him up.” Leavitt lauds Reber’s commitment to his profession. He’s created positive relationships with students, colleagues, and his Spanish Bridge partners at the University of Utah. Reber expects active participation in his classroom, which is welcoming and inviting for all, including those who may be taking their very first world language course. Above all, Leavitt says, Reber is committed to his students.  

Peter Newbold 是一位真正的 Beetdigger。二十年前，他回到母校乔丹高中担任教师。从那以后，他就一直是学校的固定教师。乔丹高中的学生说，Newbold 的数学知识渊博，教学技巧也十分高超。数学是一门让人要么爱要么恨的课程。但 Newbold 可以让讨厌数学的人变成数学爱好者。通常在数学课上吃力的学生说，他们从 Newbold 的课上开始对数学有了全新的理解。从标准数学到 AP 课程，无论他辅导的学生有多少，Newbold 先生都会花时间与每个学生单独相处，并根据每个学生的需要调整课程。一位学生说：“Newbold 先生关心他的学生，帮助他们取得成功。他在数学方面给予我的帮助比我一生中任何人都多。”

拥有近 30 年教育经验的 Gail Maycock 是 Diamond Ridge High 的学生认为她是最好的老师之一，这一点并不奇怪。Maycock 是学校里唯一的特殊教育老师，她满怀微笑、全心全意地承担着自己的责任。她的幽默和活力不仅影响着她的学生，也影响着她的同事。在 Maycock 亲切而细心的注视下，学生们变得积极参与，对学习产生了兴趣。经常听到学生说他们希望自己是 Maycock 的班上的学生。虽然只有一小部分 Diamond Ridge 学生上过 Maycock 的课，但她在所有学生群体中都很受欢迎。无论学生是否在她的课堂上，她都会与学生互动。一位同事说她“性格开朗、富有同情心，吸引着学生并温暖他们的心。”

Austin Giove has a genuine passion for teaching physical therapy.  As a result, his infectious enthusiasm for the health and wellness occupation is passed on to his students at the Canyons Technical Education Center. He teaches until students demonstrate understanding.  He give extra help to those who are struggling. Students say he is easy to talk to and answers all their questions before moving to the next topic. In a nomination, one student said this about “Coach G:”  He’s been “the most kind, influential, and fun teacher I have ever had over my time in school.”  In Giove, CTEC students have found a mentor who will guide them to a rewarding career. 

The Life Skills Academy — formerly known as the Canyons Transition Academy — has a new headquarters. Tessa Marrelli was instrumental in the move to the old Crescent View Middle building and put in many hours over Winter Recess so that students could enjoy their new classrooms in the new year. The highly organized Marrelli volunteered her skill set to make sure the academy started off on the right foot. Beyond that, she is kind and compassionate — but also is a fierce advocate for her students. The extra time she gives to her students is not out of sense of obligation, but love.  One colleague says that Marrelli “devotes her life and soul to being an amazing special education teacher, and she is phenomenal at what she does.”

无论情况如何，约旦河谷的珍妮·华纳都保持着乐观的态度。她的同事们都说，和华纳一起工作很容易，他们称赞她总是面带温暖的微笑。华纳在帮助学生进步的过程中打破了思维定式。当然，这可能是一项具有挑战性的工作，但华纳毫不犹豫地向其他人寻求帮助，以解决课堂行为或教学困难。她的许多学生都有很高的医疗需求，但这并没有阻止华纳设定很高的期望。约旦河谷社区感谢华纳的辛勤工作和对学校的奉献。华纳一次又一次地表明，她将竭尽全力支持学生，无论是在她的课堂上，还是在毕业典礼之后。  

朱莉娅·西蒙斯因对成年学生的生活产生深远影响而闻名。西蒙斯天生就具有让学习变得有趣的能力，并为她的课堂带来了无与伦比的活力。学生们说她的课总是有趣而好玩。西蒙斯为她的非传统学生提供额外帮助，并努力让学生专注于最终目标：毕业。 

西蒙斯的教学方法让她的课程既具有挑战性又令人愉快。学生们分享了她不仅以传统方式教学，还提供指导和辅导，帮助他们应对生活中的复杂情况。恩特拉达的学生因为在传统课堂环境中无法成长而辍学，但在西蒙斯的课堂上却取得了成功。