ティンプビューのキンバー・コーバー教諭とデニス・アボット教諭がUACTE健康科学部門賞受賞者として輝く

Receiving a UACTE award means more than recognition: it marks an educator’s profound impact on their community. It demonstrates a simple truth: that the power of a dedicated teacher reverberates and ripples unseen across generations.

For Denise Abbott, this truth came full circle on her birthday in 2023. Grappling with a knee injury, she experienced firsthand the reach of her influence. At the urgent care, she was greeted by former students: a nurse who had been in her class, an admitting clerk who once competed under her leadership in HOSA, and a doctor whose children she had taught.

“It was so cool,” Abbott recalled. “To see this full circle of them going out now and being professionals, taking care of others, and even helping me– that was amazing.”

Abbott’s enduring legacy as an educator and mentor in health sciences has earned her the Utah Association for Career and Technical Education (UACTE) Teacher Educator of the Year award.

Joining her in the spotlight is Kimber Kober, who received the New Teacher of the Year award for her exemplary work as a sports medicine and emergency medical response teacher.

UACTE recognizes educators who make exceptional contributions to Career and Technical Education (CTE) through leadership, innovation, and impact. Being nominated for such an honor reflects a commitment to excellence and dedication to advancing CTE programs, serving as a testament to an individual’s influence on students and the broader educational community.

Abbott, a 33-year veteran at Timpview High School, exemplifies these qualities. Her tenure includes nearly three decades as a HOSA advisor, guiding students through the Future Health Professionals organization’s rigorous competitions and inspiring countless healthcare careers. Abbott’s leadership extended to national levels as she chaired the HOSA Inc. Board of Directors, spearheading initiatives that expanded healthcare education.

Kober, a relative newcomer to teaching, has already made significant strides in her field. Drawing from fresh background experience as an athletic trainer, she brings real-world knowledge into her classroom. “The scenarios we cover are often things I’ve encountered firsthand,” she explained. “Sharing these stories helps students see the practical application of science.”

In her Sports Medicine course, students learn musculoskeletal anatomy, injury treatment, and rehabilitation techniques like taping—a perennial favorite. Her Emergency Medical Response (EMR) course prioritizes hands-on skills, from CPR certification to oxygen administration. “I hope students leave with more confidence,” Kober said. “Whether they pursue healthcare or another field, these skills can help their families and communities.”

Clearly, Kober’s guiding philosophy and hope for her students is precisely why she received her UACTE Award.

And similarly for Abbott, the heart of her work lies in communal connection. “Even with a class of 32, I strive to connect with each student individually,” she said. “I want them to know someone cares about them.” Her teaching philosophy centers on nurturing resilience and positive lifelong habits. “They may not remember every anatomy term, but I hope they leave knowing how to study and that someone believed in them,” she added.

Both educators credit the UACTE Award recognition to their steadfast commitment to professional growth, and an enduring passion for learning. “Every year, I tweak lessons and activities to better engage students,” Kober said. Abbott echoed Kober’s sentiments, too: “I’ve never attended a conference without bringing something valuable back to my classroom,” she said. “Every conference is a great opportunity to network and collaborate with other educators who elevate the profession.”

We believe Kober and Abbott are exemplary of CTE programs; learning to collaborate and create against real-world challenges shapes not just careers, but lives. We thank Abbott and Kober for excellent work, celebrate their UACTE honors, and thank them for raising future caregivers, nurses, doctors, and nurturing kindly souls in our community.

Whether through a lifetime of service or exemplified in the fresh energy of a new career, Kober and Abbott are among the best of health science education in Utah, and we cannot thank them enough.