Teachers of the Year 2023-2024

May 21st, 2024 /
Spencer Tuinei /
Elementary School, News, Recognitions and Awards, Schools, Secondary Schools

Each year we celebrate outstanding teachers from each school and honor them at our Board Meeting. These teachers are paragons of compassionate advocacy, teaching with high love and high expectations for students.

We thank these teachers for their hard work and the examples they set for our students. Here are our Teachers of the Year:

Adult Education – Chloe Valentine

Chloe’s teaching philosophy is a testament to her commitment to excellence. It revolves around meticulous preparation, personal connection, and continuous reflection. She constantly seeks to enhance her teaching methods, ensuring that her lessons are relevant, captivating, and tailored to her students’ interests. She fosters a warm and inclusive classroom environment characterized by genuine care and steadfast support for each student. Her exceptional contributions to our educational community exemplify the essence of excellence in teaching.

Amelia Earhart – LaDale Tobler

LaDale builds a great classroom culture, is strong in her instructional strategies, and is a fantastic collaborator. She creates a safe and welcoming classroom, where students feel comfortable and happy to be there. She also is able to have high learning and behavioral expectations. LaDale is so easy to work with. She is kind and fun, brings great ideas, and works well with colleagues, administration, students, support staff, and teachers. She collaborates on student needs based on data, and is always willing to do what it takes to help students learn and grow.

Canyon Crest – Stephanie Merris

Stephanie has an impressive student-centered approach to teaching and learning, is a contributive team member and leader, and is a great student advocate. Stephanie is a gifted educator who implements highly effective and engaging instructional strategies. She genuinely cares for her students and their success as evident by her ability to connect with students and form strong relationships with them (and their parents/guardians). I am so grateful for the incredible contribution Stephanie has provided to Canyon Crest Elementary School!

Centennial Middle School – Linda Threlfall

Linda makes science fun, relevant, and accessible for all of her students…She truly holds high expectations for each student, and she does everything in her power to help them succeed. She has spent hundreds of hours dedicated to students and our school, and she does it voluntarily and without complaint. She works tirelessly to make sure her lessons are engaging, that students actually understand the material, and no random question is ever too much. Her patience and kindness in the classroom are unmatched.

Dixon Middle School – Jen Storey

Jen is a teacher who excels at working with students from diverse backgrounds and help them achieve beyond their expectations. She genuinely concerns herself with the well-being of each individual student, and knows who they are and what they need… She makes a tremendous difference in the lives of her students and also in the lives of our staff. She has an understanding of good practice and a vision of success for students. Jen is also a quiet leader who works to support her team from behind the scenes. We are indeed very fortunate to have her at Dixon and in Provo School District.

Edgemont – Lisa Garner

Lisa Garner has proven herself to be an exemplary educator, demonstrating unparalleled dedication, creativity, and passion in her role. Her commitment to fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment is evident in the remarkable progress and achievements of her students. Moreover, Lisa goes above and beyond to establish strong relationships with her students and their families. Her passion for teaching, coupled with her exceptional skills and commitment to excellence, make her a shining example for educators everywhere.

Franklin – Mahauni Fuller

Mahuani’s dedication to our students and community is evident in the time and effort she puts in everyday to help them succeed. Not only does Mahuani have an expertise and commitment to working with students and families from diverse and low socio-economic backgrounds, she embraces her critical role of helping individual students with disabilities succeed socially, academically, and behaviorally. We are blessed to have Mahauni as part of our Franklin Family. She is wonderful and represents the best in education.

Independence – John Wilder

John has worn many hats since being here at Independence High School. John shows dedication in all he does. He is a master of his content and knows the ins and outs of current events, which he shares with his students daily. With a quiet demeanor, John instructs his classes, rarely needing to raise his voice as he helps them experience history. Those who work with him and know him only have thoughtful, kind words to share. We love having John part of our family and congratulate him..

Lakeview – Marilee Wing

Marilee has spent her career in education making a positive difference in the lives of many children who have had the good fortune of being in her class. Mrs. Wing is admired and respected by students, parents and colleagues alike. She has had an impact for good in the lives of all who have had the privilege of learning from her and working alongside her. Marilee has high expectations of her students and provides them with the support and encouragement they need to be successful. She exemplifies all the qualities of an outstanding educator…

Provo High – Brandon Dorathy

Mr. Dorathy epitomizes the qualities of an outstanding educator. His impact extends far beyond the classroom, permeating every facet of our school’s culture. What truly sets Mr. Dorathy apart is his remarkable warmth and kindness. He creates an inviting and inclusive atmosphere wherever he goes, making everyone feel valued and respected. His colleagues and students alike hold him in the highest esteem. His exemplary dedication, warmth, and leadership have left an indelible mark on our school community, embodying the very essence of excellence in education.

Provo Peaks – Lisa Fausett

Lisa Fausett embodies the essence of dedication and compassion in her role as an educator. Her unwavering commitment to her students is evident in every aspect of her work. Lisa not only identifies the individual needs of each student but also goes the extra mile to ensure they receive the support they require to thrive academically and personally. She stands out as an exemplary educator whose impact extends far beyond the classroom walls.

Provost – Mary Wade

Mary is truly an exemplary educator in Provo City School District. She is committed to her students’ academic growth and has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of their individual learning needs. She excels in creating a nurturing and flexible classroom environment that fosters a strong academic culture and promotes personalized learning experiences for each student. Mary Wade’s passion for teaching, along with her creative approach to education, truly sets her apart as a distinguished teacher.

Rock Canyon – Megan Christensen

Megan has consistently demonstrated exemplary dedication, creativity, and passion in her role, positively impacting the lives of students and contributing significantly to the school community. One of Megan’s most remarkable qualities is her ability to form meaningful connections with each and every student. Megan’s collaborative spirit has been instrumental in fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. Thank you, Megan, for your tireless commitment to excellence and for being an inspiring role model for your colleagues and students alike.

Spring Creek – Suzanne Martinez

Suzanne has an unwavering commitment to her students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. She goes above and beyond the call of duty to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and motivated to succeed. She fosters a sense of belonging and community within the school, promoting collaboration and professional growth among peers as a grade level leader. Her dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to our school.

Sunset View – Carrie Crowe

Carrie is an exceptional educator whose impact extends far beyond her classroom walls. Carrie is not only a teacher; she is a dedicated advocate for each and every one of her students, ensuring that they have the support and resources they need to thrive academically and personally. What truly sets Carrie apart is her unwavering commitment to fostering a love of learning in her students. She is a shining example of excellence in education, and it is fitting that she be recognized for her outstanding contributions to our school.

Timpanogos – Tiffany Harris

Tiffiny Harris puts in a tremendous effort and care into her work with her students and it is truly inspiring. Her commitment to their success and well-being is evident in everything she does, from lesson planning to her extra time spent building relationships with each and every one of her students. Tiffany’s colleagues look to her for guidance and best practices, knowing that she always has her students’ best interests at heart. Congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition and keep up the fantastic work!

Timpview High – Michelle Landers

Michelle strives to teach her students to not only appreciate good art but to create it while focusing on fundamentals and growth. Michelle is an innovator, inventive and always looking to solve a problem she, her students, or her department are grappling with. Michelle is a leader and regardless of her position, she is an advocate for her department. Michelle is an outstanding example of what an educator can be, and she is a pillar of leadership, positive attitude, and drive we need more of in schools.

Wasatch – Shari Payne

Shari’s dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to her students make her an invaluable member of our community. She consistently gives everything she has to meet the individual needs of each and every one of her students. One of the most remarkable aspects of Shari’s teaching approach is her emphasis on creating a sense of community and collaboration among her young learners. Shari Payne is a shining example of excellence in teaching and leadership. Her passion for education, her dedication to her students, and her commitment to fostering a positive learning environment make her truly deserving of the Teacher of the Year award.

Westridge – Hannah Medina

Hannah is a fantastic teacher! She is warm, attentive, fun-loving, and has a calming presence in the classroom. Hannah is a patient teacher and works well with students who struggle academically, socially, and behaviorally. Hannah is a teacher who looks for ways to make learning an engaging experience for her students. She wears so many hats of responsibility, but never seems overwhelmed! Hannah is not only a great teacher but also a great friend to her colleagues. Hannah Medina is a positive, energetic, dedicated teacher and an essential part of the Westridge team.