This month, Deseret News and Utah Business partnered with First Lady Abby Cox to honor the educators, administration members and businesses championing Utah’s education system. Through her groundbreaking Show Up For Teachers initiative, First Lady Cox is making a difference in the lives of Utah educators by prioritizing their mental health and emotional well-being—enabling educators to better teach and support Utah’s students in turn. We are proud to partner with First Lady Cox in this important mission.
Honorees were selected by a committee comprising representatives from the Office of the First Lady, the Robert H. and Katharine B. Garff Foundation, the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation, Success in Education, Show Up for Teachers and the Deseret News.
ADMINISTRATION
Ingrid Andromidas
Assistant Principal | Mountain View High School, Alpine School District
Was there a pivotal moment that led to your involvement in education?
As a young immigrant from South America, I didn’t know the language or culture in the United States. I felt invisible until an elementary school teacher saw me for my potential instead of my deficiencies. His example, along with the opportunity to give back, has been the driving force in my involvement in education.
What is one career accomplishment you’re proud of?
Being able to empower our students and families in succeeding with our education system has been key. We need to become a bridge for families and help them understand the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to become successful in our society. I did this by creating parent academies. These academies brought parents/guardians and students together for a monthly dinner and discussion about specific topics and resources for their success. The more they know, the better they can plan and know that they have a support in us to guide students toward success.
Kayla Towner
Senior Technical Specialist | Utah Education Network (UEN)
Was there a pivotal moment that led to your involvement in education?
I was working with a sixth-grade class in South Korea, and there was a boy who really struggled academically. He had a hard time comprehending various concepts and explaining his understanding. This boy should have been in third grade, but due to the Korean age system, he was bumped up to sixth grade. This reminded me of my own childhood. I struggled in school and didn’t learn like other students. I realized I wanted to be a voice for all learners. I wanted to provide options, choices and pathways to help my students master concepts. I switched my focus from exercise science to education, and I have never looked back.
In your opinion, what does a good education look like?
I believe student inclusion, student agency and a strong school community are essential for a good education. Student inclusion is about creating a school environment where all students feel welcome and accepted, regardless of their background or abilities. Student agency is about giving students a voice and choice in their learning. A strong school community creates a sense of belonging and connection among students, teachers and staff. I believe these three elements will help all students reach their full potential.
Ross A. Rogers
Digital Learning Specialist | Jordan School District
What is one career accomplishment you’re proud of?
Two years ago, I worked with my colleagues to write a grant that provided us the opportunity to train 100 parents from the community about how to connect to the community. They had to attend five sessions that lasted one hour. We taught them about what a Chromebook is and how to use it, Google and Google Drive, and how to navigate Jordan District’s website resources and other resources for the community. At the end of the class, the Chromebook was awarded to them for their own personal use. It was incredibly rewarding to observe parents learn and show appreciation for the opportunity to receive a computer at no cost to them.
In your opinion, what does a good education look like?
Teachers need support to be good educators rather than having constant roadblocks as they try to educate our students. Parents need to be actively involved in the learning process of their children. Legislators need to work with educators and create laws that are beneficial for the advancement of all students. Teachers need to be respected as professionals in their community, as they always have the best interests of their students at heart.
Ryan Rarick
Education Teacher | Washington County School District
Was there a pivotal moment that led to your involvement in education?
When I asked myself what I would do if I didn’t have to worry about money or time, my answer was to read and write books and play sports. When I considered what jobs would allow me to do that, “high school English teacher” hit me so clearly that I couldn’t believe I hadn’t considered it before. Once I entered the education program, it felt like a hand in a glove. I found out I was good at it, and as I started working, I immediately possessed a passion for building relationships with students and helping to increase their learning. I had a similar pivotal moment this last year as I decided to leave front office administration and head to a new school to teach Education Pathway classes to students who are aspiring to be teachers.
What is one career accomplishment you’re proud of?
After reading a student’s essay about why more students aren’t taking honors, advanced placement (AP) and concurrent enrollment (CE) courses, I looked at the demographics in my student enrollment. I was embarrassed to discover only nine percent of students enrolled in these courses were students of color while my school was around 25 percent students of color. I met with my assistant principal, and we devised a plan. I asked teachers from younger grades to make recommendations. I wrote an invitation letter. The assistant principal called the students down one at a time to invite them to register for AP or CE courses. After one year of this plan, our representation moved from 9 percent to 16 percent. Now, four years later, the expected representation is 39 percent! I am incredibly proud to have taken these steps and forever grateful to my student for writing that essay.
Simon Robert Halper McFall
Principal | Saint Olaf Catholic School
Was there a pivotal moment that led to your involvement in education?
During my sophomore year of college, my mother—a beloved math teacher—was diagnosed with cancer. As her treatments intensified, she found it increasingly difficult to balance her health with her dedication to her students. I decided to step in and take over as a substitute for her math classes. Witnessing firsthand my mother’s impact on her students was truly eye-opening. She was not just a teacher; she was a master educator who genuinely cared about the well-being and success of her students. That pivotal moment, witnessing my mother’s incredible strength and her profound effect on her students, set me on a path toward education. It fueled my passion for teaching and instilled a deep sense of purpose to be a caring and impactful educator.
In your opinion, what does a good education look like?
A good education should prioritize several vital elements, including student curiosity, service, dignity and inclusion. By integrating these aspects into the educational system, we can cultivate well-rounded individuals who are academically proficient, empathetic, socially conscious and respectful of others.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Mary M. Robles
Adjunct Faculty | Brigham Young University
Was there a pivotal moment that led to your involvement in education?
The experience that really set me on this path happened when I was in high school. I helped one of my classmates, Matthew, with his schoolwork and navigating social skills. We worked together on math, lunch manners, reading, crossing the street, etc.—we also managed to squeeze in a few Justin Bieber dance parties. I learned that I was good at teaching and loved it! I’m an educator because of Matthew.
In your opinion, what does a good education look like?
One of my mentors, Katie Steed, taught that “good teaching is good teaching.” When quality teaching practices are used, more learners benefit, and it does this without impeding the learning of others. For example, when adding captions to a video, this will not prevent students who don’t need it from obtaining the information. Good education in the future will include a focus and use of high-leverage and inclusive teaching strategies in the classroom.
Sylvia Read
Associate Dean, Accreditation and Undergraduate Studies | Utah State University, College of Education and Human Services
Was there a pivotal moment that led to your involvement in education?
The pivotal moment was when I was working as a research assistant writing summaries of articles about early literacy while also teaching my stepdaughter to read. Because of this, I decided to return to school to become a licensed elementary teacher.
What has your involvement in Utah’s education system taught you?
The teachers in Utah are dedicated to the success of their students and work extremely hard every day to ensure they serve those students and their families.
Dr. William Harman
Professor & Associate Dean | Roseman University of Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine
What is one career accomplishment you’re proud of?
I lead Roseman’s College of Dental Medicine’s Lifelong Colleague Initiative which creates the conditions under which a humanistic environment emerges, develops and thrives. This collaborative environment is “made real” by behaving our way into three commitments we make and keep with each other: being lifelong colleagues, abiding by a strong honor code and helping each other become the best we can be at what we do. These commitments guide all of our interactions with each other as well as with the patients and communities we serve.
If you could change one thing to improve Utah’s education system, what would it be?
Move away from the traditional “A” through “F” grading system to competency-based approaches at all levels of our educational system. Focusing on competency will enhance learning in traditional courses and encourage new educational paradigms to emerge that will benefit all Utah residents throughout their lifespans.
BUSINESS/NONPROFIT
Hope Street Group, Utah Teacher Fellows
Q&A with Tabitha Pacheco | Director, Education Programs
If you could change one thing to improve Utah’s education system, what would it be?
That we would support and value Utah’s educators! Teachers, parents and communities are on the same team—we all want what is best for our students. We can all work together to have the best education system in the nation.
What has your involvement in Utah’s education system taught you?
There are so many individuals and organizations who care deeply about public education in Utah. In my work as a classroom teacher, at the State Board of Education or leading a nonprofit, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by the most passionate, dedicated and intelligent individuals.
Instructure
Q&A with Shelly Ruff | Customer Marketing & Advocacy
In your opinion, what does a good education look like?
Being able to meet the needs of diverse learners, pivoting for how students are able to show proficiency with learning standards and instruction, and having more caregivers/parents/guardians of students involved more in classrooms. Utilizing digital tools and making way for advancements in education is also important. Education is constantly pivoting—that’s what makes this space so exciting to develop.
If you could change one thing to improve Utah’s education system, what would it be?
Support for educator’s mental health. We see lots of support and focus for students’ mental health needs, and that is absolutely necessary, but we can’t forget the teachers. When teachers’ “buckets” are full, they can do wonders to meet those same needs for their students. In most districts and schools, educators have to take a personal day or sick day, and talking about mental health is stigmatized. I’d love to see mental health hours recognized and required on educator contracts.
Ivory Homes
Q&A with Annie Wilson | General Counsel
Was there a pivotal moment that led to your involvement in education?
Ivory Homes’ drive to support teachers comes from Christine’s passion for educators (as a former one herself) and Clark’s appreciation for the power of higher education. Ivory Homes has helped hundreds of teachers achieve homeownership. The last few years, we have focused on helping teachers find homes in the communities where they work through our Utah Workforce Housing Priority program. In addition to their efforts through Ivory Homes, Clark and Christine have also provided thousands of scholarships through the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation.
What is one education-related accomplishment your organization is proud of?
This year, Clark and Christine Ivory will be opening the doors to Ivory University House, a 600+ bed student housing facility at the University of Utah. This unique housing project will generate more than $1B in scholarships, internships and housing assistance for students in financial need by donating all the profits from its rents to a scholarship fund at the University of Utah. This innovative endowment exemplifies the Ivory family’s deep-seated commitment to education.
Ken Garff Automotive
Q&A with Brett Hopkins | CEO
What has your involvement in Utah’s education system taught you?
Engaged and inspirational teachers focused on the individuality of the student are a primary driver of student learning and growth through education.
In your opinion, what does a good education look like?
Committed and engaged leaders and teachers meeting the individual needs of all youth to help each and every one of them reach their individual goals and become the best version of themselves—with no one left behind.
TEACHER
Devin Rusch
Welding Instructor | Clearfield High School, Davis School District
Was there a pivotal moment that led to your involvement in education?
A dear friend and colleague of mine reached out to me after hearing that the welding instructor position was open at a local high school. I was not interested, as I was already employed full-time as a welder, but he believed I would be a great fit. He convinced me to at least submit my resume and apply. That was 14 years ago.
In your opinion, what does a good education look like?
Good education doesn’t look like “A’s” on a report card. Proof of a good education occurs when students connect what they are learning and what is happening in the world currently, then find a way to contribute what they have learned to make the world better.
Georgiana Kennedy Simpson
Visual Arts, Peer Tutor, & Civics Capacity Coach | Whitehorse High School, San Juan School District
What has your involvement in Utah’s education system taught you?
1) Good teachers need good mentors. 2) If our students are going to have a meaningful learning experience, it is up to teachers to meet them where they are, work with them to figure out the challenges they need, and be the “guide on the side” to help them get there. 3) Good teachers are excited about continuing their own learning. If, like me, you are the only teacher in your content area, seek out others across the building, district and state who will help you grow. 4) Surround yourself with positive people who are focused on learning and growing as educators. 5) Whatever our content area, we are all reading, language and civics educators. The more we work together to help each child develop holistically, the better our communities will be in the long run.
If you could change one thing to improve Utah’s education system, what would it be?
How is it that in the wealthiest nation in the world, we see 11.4 percent of all people living in poverty with another 29.9 percent living close to the poverty line? I teach in the Navajo Nation, which experiences poverty rates closer to 35 percent. Too many people of color and/or with challenging economic circumstances are experiencing ever-widening opportunity gaps. We cannot have a truly great society if we are not fully committed to building educational and economic opportunities for everyone, not just the privileged few. We give a lot of lip service to equity but have a lot of work to do in order to bring true balance, fairness and opportunity to our education system. This means we need to take a more honest approach to evaluating, then closing these gaps for our children and their families.
Jeanette Hufford
Elementary Teacher | Mary W. Jackson Elementary School, Salt Lake City School District
Was there a pivotal moment that led to your involvement in education?
My second-grade teacher had a huge impact on me personally. Not only did she give me a solid academic foundation, but she also made me feel truly valued and seen. Having the opportunity to make sure each of my students knows I see them and value them is why I love teaching. I believe all children deserve to feel like they matter to someone.
What has your involvement in Utah’s education system taught you?
I teach in a very diverse school that is also highly impacted by poverty. I have students who are new to the country, having just arrived from refugee camps. I have students dealing with homelessness. One thing I have learned is that all of these students are capable of learning and deserve a high-quality education. Some of the strongest people I know are elementary students who, despite all manner of challenges, come to school and give their all to hopefully one day have a better life.
Nathaniel Reese
Business, Marketing, Hospitality & Tourism Educator | Mountain View High School, Alpine School District
What has your involvement in Utah’s education system taught you?
When I focus more on the “do” than the “what,” students are more willing to learn and are better prepared to enter the job force. My goal is to teach the students the concepts and then allow them to do or create something that will impact them and the lives of those they reach. I want them to advance from “I understand” to “I can do.”
In your opinion, what does a good education look like?
A good education allows the student to choose their education from an early start. Teach them the basics and allow them to see all the options available, then allow them to choose their pathway and focus on the way they can be most successful in that pathway. This does not need to start in postsecondary education. This should begin after elementary. In the future, a good education will allow for more choice.
MOST IMPACTFUL TEACHER
Enrique Arce-Larreta
Physics Teacher | West High School, Salt Lake City School District
What is one career accomplishment you’re proud of?
I have created and built the West High Robotics program along with my co-mentor Alison Bulson through more than 3,100 hours of service over the past 12 years. In this capacity, I started and mentored 11 FIRST Tech Challenge teams, including all-girls teams, all-Hispanic teams and middle school teams for gifted and talented students. This is in addition to raising the bar for the FIRST Robotics Competition team as a now-perennial World Championship team. West High’s FIRST alumni are established STEM professionals who have gone on to many Ivy League schools. Former students now work at Space-X, Dominion Energy, Goldman Sachs and in academia.
In your opinion, what does a good education look like?
I would love to see less technology in schools and more outdoor education. One goal I have is to develop my outdoor education skills and curriculum over time. I would like to take students into the field and have more STEM experience. As a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, I had the opportunity to experience how climate change is affecting the polar regions. I want my students to come away with not just online knowledge but also firsthand experience from being outdoors.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Sydney Lott
Social Studies Teacher | Skyline High School, Granite School District
What is one career accomplishment you’re proud of?
My students have won the Stock Market Game 12 of the 20 semesters we have played it. We’ve been so successful that the state decided to retire the traveling trophy for a semester—it wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon!
In your opinion, what does a good education look like?
Teachers need to energize students to love learning. We don’t hold knowledge in our classrooms anymore; all of the knowledge of the world is on the internet. Our job is now to motivate students to want to seek the knowledge and guide them in finding what they want.
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE & OUTREACH
Colleen Pehrson
First Grade Teacher | Monticello Elementary School, San Juan School District
What has your involvement in Utah’s education system taught you?
Over the years, I’ve realized that a teacher’s influence must be far-reaching and have depth and breadth for optimal learning. There are a myriad of critical components that ensure student success, including understanding and nurturing their physical, mental and social well-being; providing age-appropriate instruction, experiences and activities; using knowledge and sound delivery of well-designed curriculum; and enlisting student buy-in and engagement. There is not just one magic trick educators can pull out of a hat to produce successful learners! It is a balancing act requiring hard work, continual professional development, frequent fine-tuned adjustments to curriculum and a community of partners working together.
If you could change one thing to improve Utah’s education system, what would it be?
A disheartening trend in schools has been the rise of students displaying moderate to extremely disruptive behavior in classrooms, on playgrounds and throughout school settings. This trend is greatly impacting the learning environment and well-being of many students and teachers alike. We are also seeing a number of students struggling with self-esteem, social acceptance, destructive behaviors and coping skills. Although we are receiving counselors in schools at increasing rates, this pattern seems to be growing and is of grave concern. Ways to eradicate this detrimental environment for learners need to be addressed in a manner that all stakeholders are on board and dedicated to solving this problem.
MUSIC & ARTS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Garrett Spalka
Director, Bands & Mariachi | John F. Kennedy Jr. High School, Granite School District
What is one career accomplishment you’re proud of?
I am most proud of a marching band championship I won with students I had in Nevada. It was the first time in the 40 years of that championship that they had won. I didn’t care about the trophy or the title, but what I will never forget is the accomplishment shared by the students at one of the poorest schools in the entire state. They proved to their community, their peers and most importantly themselves that they could accomplish anything they wanted. I am proud I have been able to produce a similar atmosphere in my classroom in Utah and take great pride in providing a place where students feel important, seen and loved.
If you could change one thing to improve Utah’s education system, what would it be?
I would love to see a greater focus on allowing students to enjoy the experience of school. Grades and classes are important, and we should always strive for producing the best scholarly minds, but there is more to school than class. Many schools and classrooms are driven by advanced courses and obtaining degrees and certificates before students graduate. We are losing a major component of the educational experience: social learning. Students are missing out on participating in marching band, cheer team, robotics club or sports. As educators, we are uniquely positioned to provide the optimal environment for students to balance these parts of their lives.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Chad Staley
Science Teacher | North Summit High School, North Summit School District
Was there a pivotal moment that led to your involvement in education?
The pivotal moment was when I began teaching people about my religion in the mission field. I had not even considered an education major before that time and was actually considering a degree in accounting.
If you could change one thing to improve Utah’s education system, what would it be?
Decision-makers in the state ought to talk with teachers. We are in the trenches and know what is really needed.
Jen Terry
Early Childhood Educator | Liberty Hills Elementary, Alpine School District
What is one career accomplishment you’re proud of?
I am proud of teaching children to be artful, creative thinkers for 28 years. Art integration has always been how I have taught in the classroom, and I have seen how it has helped the students I have taught become the readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists and creative, problem-solving humans they are today. I am also proud of receiving the Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education to show others the importance of art integration in the classroom and how it impacts how children learn.
In your opinion, what does a good education look like?
Children need to be artful, creative, problem-solving thinkers for the future. To do this, education needs to teach educators to think outside of the box to ensure children are getting authentic, artful and creative lessons throughout their day. Children’s ideas need to be listened to, and they need to be able to wonder, explore, create and problem-solve through reading, writing, science, math and art. Integration is the key to making this happen, and we need to value how important it is in our education system.