Nebo Teachers of the Year 2019 - 2020
Nebo School District Teacher of the Year - Jessica Lindley
Angie Craig
Apple Valley Elementary
“Angie has changed many lives for good because of her dedication as a teacher and her love for each individual student. Angie not only has a commitment of learning for students, but also herself where she attends in-service at the district, state, and national level. Angie’s positive attitude, devoted character, and passion towards learning make her an asset to our school community.”
“I want my students to know that they can do hard things and overcome their challenges,” stated Angie Craig.
Cindy Roylance
Art City Elementary
“Cindy represents what it means to be a devoted teacher. She loves children and makes sure each one of them knows that they matter. Cindy leads by example and is kind to her co-workers.”
“I love teaching math. Student effort and success should be recognized, supported, and celebrated each day,” stated Cindy Roylance.
Krissy Johnson
Barnett Elementary
“Krissy’s passion for teaching begins with her desire to learn and grow as an educator as she models the idea of a lifelong learner to her students. Each and every day, Krissy empowers her students to work hard, tackle a challenge, acquire curiosity, and develop a desire to learn new things.”
“I believe in preparing myself as an educator to meet the needs of the coming generations of students,” stated Krissy Johnson.
Amberly Kariuki
Brockbank Elementary
“Amberly proves to be hard working, collaborates well with her peers, and values education not only for her students, but also for herself. Her abilities with technology is amazing, and she has heightened the interest in many subjects for her students with research and writing.”
“I believe the most important part of teaching is the relationship the teacher has with students. We need to create an environment that is warm, kind, and welcoming to students,” stated Amberly Kariuki.
LeAnn Andrews
Brookside Elementary
“LeAnn is an excellent time manager with a great work ethic. She has wonderful rapport with the students. She always has the best interest of her students in mind and has built a caring classroom community.”
“Students should be loved and treated fairly, which doesn’t always mean everyone is treated equal or the same. I hope my students love to read and love to learn new things,” stated LeAnn Andrews.
John Sargeant
Canyon Elementary
“John has a saying that he says often, ‘Welcome to heaven!’ He truly approaches each day, each week, and each school year in this way looking for opportunities that he can bring ‘heaven’ to both his co-workers and students.”
“All children come with their own preference and style of learning. Whether a student’s learning style is visual, auditory, or kinesthetic, the more a teacher can implement all three styles, the better the outcome,” stated John Sargeant.
Starr David
Cherry Creek Elementary
“Starr is a bright and shining light at Cherry Creek. Starr has a gentle yet powerful way about her. She magnifies and encourages others along the way. Her classroom management is amazing. She uses songs, rhymes, chants, and stories to capture students’ attention. We love to see the magic happening in her classroom.”
“My goal as an educator is to help my students meet life with an open hand. To welcome each moment as if they had chosen it. Students can then change inside and take responsibility for their learning,” stated Starr David.
Sydney Sharp
East Meadows Elementary
“Sydney is one of the hardest working and dependable teachers. When students found out Miss Sharp would be teaching choir, over 80 students signed up immediately. Sydney has a positive attitude and a smile. She lights up the room when she walks in.”
“I can empower students in their learning by creating an environment where expectations and instruction are rigorous and attainable,” stated Sydney Sharp.
Jessica Lindley
Foothills Elementary
“Jessica has been a valuable asset to Foothills for the past five years. Her energetic nature and creativity contribute to a positive culture at Foothills. She is kind, caring, and dependable.”
“As an educator, I aspire to build a classroom culture and educational environment conducive to student learning and development; a place where students can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. I seek to foster a positive relationship with students, colleagues, parents and the community. I provide quality education to all students and help every student to reach their full potential by providing a learning environment that is always striving for success,” stated Jessica Lindley.
LeighAnn Penrod
Goshen Elementary
“LeighAnn has a kind and caring way with her students. Her students love to be in her class because she is willing to go the extra mile and spend the time to help them succeed. LeighAnn is a person of integrity and always considers what is best for students.”
“The number one thing to establish, with the students, is a connection and sincere relationship. These happen by genuinely letting every student know they are valued and important,” stated LeighAnn Penrod.
Holly Brunt
Hobble Creek Elementary
“Holly has qualities, characteristics, and a work ethic of a highly qualified and professional teacher. Once in her classroom, you will notice a warm atmosphere, positive management, and best practice. She has a great rapport with students and parents and goes the extra mile to create a classroom that fosters a creative learning environment.”
“I create an environment that is safe and encourages students to try something new or hard. Our motto is: ‘Today is a great day to learn something new!’” stated Holly Brunt.
Patti Bates
Larsen Elementary
“Patti is a dedicated teacher that works so hard to do what is best for students. Students have great success in Patti’s class. She has a calm and positive nature about her. Patti is a delight to work with and a great contributor to the Larsen community.”
“Teaching involves the willingness to work hard and do what is best for students. It is essential to create a safe learning environment and help students believe in themselves,” stated Patti Bates.
Angela Paynter
Maple Ridge Elementary
“Mrs. Paynter’s positive attitude and proactive approach when dealing with difficult situations never fails to bring a smile. She brings professionalism, dedication, and commitment to professional learning. She is always willing to go the extra mile.”
“The relationship between student and teacher is paramount to success. A teacher needs to be enthusiastic about what they are teaching, even if the students are not. Learning is an adventure for the teacher, student, and parents,” stated Angela Paynter.
Melissa Naylor
Mapleton Elementary
“Melissa is not only an exceptional teacher, but she has made a lasting impact on the instructional practices and student growth at our school. She is quick to learn and makes it exciting and engaging for her students. She has a fun and upbeat personality”
“I believe in setting and communicating high, realistic, and positive goals for each student. Learning can and should be fun,” stated Melissa Naylor.
Jessika Anderson
Meadow Brook Elementary
“Jessika is passionate about teaching. Each child in her class knows they are loved because of her kind manner. Jessika’s positive and happy demeanor assists her in creating a safe, engaging, and loving classroom environment for students, parents, and other educators.”
“All students can learn. It is important to meet students wherever they are in the learning process, whether that means loving them through tough behavior, supporting them through emotional struggles, or encouraging them outside of their comfort zone to overcome hard things,” stated Jessika Anderson.
Jessica Root
Mt. Loafer Elementary
“Jessica values various learning styles as students navigate their way through new knowledge. Her greatest strength is her enthusiasm and commitment to teaching. She happily shares resources and ideas, completes tasks and assignments, and remains flexible and willing to adapt to change.”
“I strive to help my students develop a love for learning that will last a lifetime. When they are done in my classroom, I hope I’ve prepared them with the academic and social skills needed to be successful, productive, and contributing members of society,” stated Jessica Root.
Krissi Tanner
Orchard Hills Elementary
“Each child knows that Krissi loves them. She has a desire to help each student to become the best person they can. Students, parents, and the faculty and staff love Krissi.”
“It is important to teach children to love to learn and that each individual student matters. I care about students’ needs and strive to incorporate their interests into my lessons. It is imperative to show my students love, patience, and empathy,” stated Krissi Tanner.
LesLee Hunt
Park Elementary
“LesLee has a love for teaching that is contagious, and it radiates not only through her classroom but our entire school. She is innovative and is always bringing new insights and ideas. If anyone is in a bind, she is the first one to step up and help solve the problem.”
“Each child that enters my classroom has unique strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and dreams. My goal is that students learn what they need and how to be curious beyond just my classroom,” stated LesLee Hunt.
Lori Toutai
Park View Elementary
“Lori works with students who have challenging home lives. She exhibits care and compassion, while still having high expectations. She not only teaches academics, but also how students can determine their own futures despite their situations.”
“I hope my students discover the power and unique talents within each of them. That they leave with the knowledge that while no one is good at everything, we are all good or great at some things. I have the privilege of joining them and learning along the way,” stated Lori Toutai.
Annette Harvey
Rees Elementary
“Annette willingly takes on extra-curricular activities like playing the piano for school functions, assisting school musicals, and organizing the production of the school yearbook. She has a profound influence in the culture of Rees and our behavior S.O.A.R. program.”
“Students learn best when invested in the results. I give opportunities for self-discovery through Comprehensive Math Integration and the Next Gen Science Standards, as well as individualized teaching in guided literacy,” stated Annette Harvey.
Lynn Tuescher
Riverview Elementary
“Lynn’s greatest strength is to build strong relationships. He is service-oriented and has a calming influence in any room. While others speak swiftly and sometimes passionately in the heat of a discussion, Lynn listens and considers.”
“Good self-esteem and appropriate behavior is best promoted by making expectations clear and consistent and calling attention to acceptable behavior. If students are provided a caring atmosphere, quality instruction, and the opportunity to taste success often, they will enjoy and accept their responsibility for learning,” stated Lynn Tuescher.
Claudia Shaffer
Sage Creek Elementary
“Foremost, Claudia is an outstanding teacher! She believes every child is capable of success. She structures her lessons so that students on every level can achieve mastery. Her understanding of methodology and curriculum is outstanding.”
“My philosophy of teaching in a nutshell is to love, teach, and have joy. The students will learn knowing that they are important and capable,” stated Claudia Shaffer.
Dorie Thatcher
Salem Elementary
“Dorie is the first one to volunteer and lead her team in successfully implementing new programs. She is influential in discussing student needs during weekly PLC meetings and in writing school goals. Dorie eagerly implements ideas and activities and creates a caring and organized environment where students thrive.”
“I believe that students can become self-motivated learners and inspired to reach their full potential when they are in a positive learning environment where they feel welcomed, comfortable, and safe with their teacher and peers,” stated Dorie Thatcher.
Brian Griffith
Santaquin Elementary
“Brian is knowledgeable about teaching and interacting with students. He is always willing to work with students that have questions or need a little extra time completing assignments. He has shown great enthusiasm for instructional strategies.”
“Teaching is the right and responsibility to create people that will be future leaders of our communities. I encourage all my students to gain a love of education so that every child may succeed in their future endeavors,” stated Brian Griffith.
Erin Creamer
Sierra Bonita Elementary
“Erin’s taught many diverse students and worked with them individually to meet their needs emotionally and intellectually. Students truly benefit from her knowledge and expertise. Children feel happy, loved, and appreciated.”
“Children learn most effectively in an environment of love, respect, acceptance, and trust. It is important to establish a positive learning community where students will recognize that they are cared for and supported, allowing them to dream big and reach their full potential,” stated Erin Creamer.
Tiffany Taylor
Spanish Oaks Elementary
“Tiffany has a special way of making each child in her class feel like they are seen, heard, and loved! Tiffany instills confidence in her students by acknowledging them in their hard work and efforts.”
“Each child needs an advocate. Children need to know and trust that there is someone there to support them and be in ‘their corner’ in times of frustration, struggle, or hardship,” stated Tiffany Taylor.
Kaylee Pehrson
Spring Lake Elementary
“One of Kaylee’s strengths is her ability to work with children with difficult behaviors. She is patient, kind, and understanding. She creates trusting relationships and helps students feel safe and cared for. Kaylee remains calm, consistent, and fair, while following through with high expectations.”
“Love, acceptance, and trust are the three most important parts of my classroom family. My first priority as a teacher is to make sure that each one of my students knows, without a doubt, that they matter to me,” stated Kaylee Pehrson.
Courtney Mayhew
Taylor Elementary
“Courtney has high expectations for herself, colleagues, and especially students. She is a strong advocate for students and their success. Her commitment to growing professionally is one of her greatest strengths. Courtney’s ability to connect to her students and her talent as a teacher is superior!”
“All students learn in different ways and can achieve at high levels. With effort and hard work, students can do amazing things. I love hearing my students say, ‘Challenge Accepted!’” exclaimed Courtney Mayhew.
Arlene Haymond
Westside Elementary
“Arlene is on top as an outstanding employee. She is hard-working, organized, self-motivated, dedicated, energetic, and humble. Without missing a beat, Arlene shows love and patience as she works with students, parents, and a collaborative team to put into place a plan for success.”
“All students are individuals and everyone learns in their own unique way. Teaching should be meaningful, engaging, and focus on the whole child,” stated Arlene Haymond.
Tiffany Cook
Wilson Elementary
“Tiffany is always prepared in her lessons and teaches in a motivating way. She is aware of individuals and works extremely hard to meet these differing needs. Tiffany spends countless hours at the school each week beyond her contract time and on most weekends to ensure her ‘kiddos’ will be successful.”
“A teacher’s love for a child is more than just in the classroom. A teacher must have the same values that they expect from their students. A teacher should develop characteristics that will help children be life-long learners,” stated Tiffany Cook.
