The Jazz Bear surprised Mrs. Heidi Broderick, a teacher at Maple Grove Middle School, with the Most Valuable Educator this past week. She was recognized on the Jazz floor as the Most Valuable Educator “MVE” at the Jazz’s halftime show on December 15!
Mrs. Broderick said, “I am ecstatic and I am honored to know that I have been able to have this type of impact on my students. As an educator, we strive to make small differences in young lives that will hopefully carry with them forever. I can't begin to express my gratitude. There are so many amazing and wonderful teachers in Utah. I am truly humbled. Wow! Thank you so much!”
Heidi was nominated by a colleague. Following is what a parent and another student had to say about Mrs. Broderick.
A parent said, “Mrs. Broderick makes every student feel loved which inspires them to work harder. She points out the positives and has amazing, fun lessons that keep the students engaged. She has five class pets that her middle school students adore. She is incredible. I’m the parent of one of her students–my son has special needs, and she was amazing with him, and he thrived in her classroom setting more than ever before. She was life changing for him!”
A student said, “I have really been struggling lately because a lot of things have been happening in my home, and it has been really hard for me. The only reason I get out of bed is because I know she is waiting there to make me smile and have a great day. She is the only teacher that I have been able to talk to and feel comfortable around. She makes me feel happy and makes me laugh whenever times are hard or not.”
When the Jazz Bear and KSL surprised Mrs. Broderick at the school, Mrs. Broderick said, “I’m speechless and humbled. I’m passionate about teaching because these kids are waiting for me each day. They are all different in their own way. The kids are what drive me. I enjoy connecting with all 184 students, each on their own level. I love being a part of these students’ lives. Thank you, parents, for trusting me with your children each day.”
Heidi won a personalized Jazz jersey, tickets to the game and $1,000 cash to use in her classroom as well as an assembly at the school with the Jazz Bear. KSL also spotlighted Heidi at the Jazz Game on December 15.
Congratulations Mrs. Broderick! We are so proud of you Nebo Hero!
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