Mountain Creek Middle School science teacher Robert Robertson is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Mr. Robertson was nominated for the award by the Mountain Creek staff for his ability to spark curiosity in students and help them believe in their own abilities.

Mr. Robertson creates hands-on, memorable lessons where students feel safe to explore, question, and take academic risks. His calm, humorous, and consistent approach fosters both academic and social growth, while his mentorship and leadership positively influence colleagues and school culture. Families trust and value his engaging, high-expectation classroom, where students leave excited about science and equipped with skills that extend beyond the lab.

Congratulations, Mr. Robertson! Thank you for all that you do for the students at Mountain Creek Middle School.

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Monte Vista Elementary third-grade teacher Corrie Chase is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Ms. Chase was nominated for the award by the Monte Vista staff for always looking for ways to improve as a teacher and pushing her students to be their best.

Ms. Chase has driven remarkable student growth by using data-driven strategies, creativity, and unwavering dedication, helping her third graders achieve a leap from 63% to 95% proficiency in reading. She fosters a positive, engaging classroom where every student feels heard, valued, and motivated, incorporating imaginative approaches like her Harry Potter–themed lessons. Beyond her classroom, Corrie leads her team with collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sharing best practices, positively impacting the entire Monte Vista community.

Congratulations Ms. Chase! Thank you for all that you do for the students at Monte Vista Elementary School!

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Herriman Elementary fifth-grade Spanish dual language immersion teacher Daniel Valladolid Megia is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Sr. Megia was nominated for the award by the staff at Herriman Elementary for his ability to get the most out of his students and his collaborative nature with fellow teachers. 

Sr. Megia creates a positive, supportive classroom where his patience, optimism, and high expectations help students thrive in both science and Spanish language acquisition. His students consistently have among the highest scores in Jordan School District on both the RISE science test and the AAPPL language proficiency test. His classroom is an environment where students are held to a high standard, but are supported through mistakes to achieve great results. 

Congratulations Sr. Megia! Thank you for all you do for the students at Herriman Elementary School.

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He is a music teacher who goes above and beyond to bring out the best in students each and every day. Now, Scott Knight is being recognized for his work, changing lives through music and performance.

Mr. Knight was nominated and selected to be the recipient of a Fox 13 “Dream Team” surprise. Fox 13 Meteorologist Nate Larsen showed up, along with Mountain America Credit Union, to let Mr. Knight know how much the community loves and supports his work with students, especially in after-school musicals which he has taken to a whole new level at Oakcrest. Those musicals help students discover talents they never even knew they had.

The ”Dream Team” gave Mr. Knight a director’s chair and other gifts to share with his family, along with a $1,500 donation to support his ongoing work in musical theater at Oakcrest Elementary School.

Congratulations, Scott Knight. Keep up the incredible work changing lives one musical note at a time.

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Majestic Elementary Arts Academy music teacher Oliva Murphy is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Ms. Murphy was nominated for the award by the staff at Majestic for making her music classroom the heartbeat of Majestic’s K-3 grades.

Ms. Murphy transforms learning by integrating music and the arts to deepen academic understanding while fostering creativity, confidence, and collaboration. She engages students through original compositions, performance, and technology, making every child feel seen, capable, and inspired. Beyond her classroom, Olivia mentors colleagues, leads major school initiatives, and shapes a joyful, creative culture that touches the entire school community.

Congratulations Ms. Murphy! Thank you for all you do for the students at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy.

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Special Education teacher at Kauri Sue Hamilton, Trisha Wyatt is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Ms. Wyatt was nominated by the staff at Kauri Sue Hamilton for inspiring and motivating her students to reach their full potential every day.

Ms. Wyatt meets each student’s unique needs and unlocks their potential through creativity, persistence, and high expectations. She balances love, care, and rigor while fostering strong partnerships with families, ensuring every child feels supported and empowered. A natural leader and mentor, Trisha uplifts colleagues and creates a positive, high-performing school community, leaving a lasting impact on students, staff, and families alike.

Congratulations Ms. Wyatt! Thank you for all you do for the students at Kauri Sue Hamilton School.

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Jordan Hills Elementary fourth-grade teacher Suzanne Thompson is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. The staff at Jordan Hills nominated Ms. Thompson for instilling perseverance in her classroom and embodying the identity of the school during her 20-year tenure.

Her classroom is a place where risk-taking and collaborative learning thrive. She combines data-informed insight with hands-on support, ensuring each student receives targeted guidance to move from struggle to mastery. Beyond her classroom, Suzanne empowers colleagues and shapes a culture of excellence, leaving a lasting impact on both students and the wider school community.

Congratulations, Ms. Thompson! Thank you for all you do for the students at Jordan Hills Elementary School.

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Columbia Elementary fifth-grade teacher Cynthia Alvarado is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Ms. Alvarado was nominated for the award by the staff at Columbia for the care she shows to her students, fellow teachers, and the school community.

Ms. Alvarado makes complex learning engaging and accessible by connecting it to real-life experiences, empowering students to apply their knowledge with confidence. She builds strong, trusting relationships through patience, compassion, and genuine care, creating a classroom where students feel supported and inspired. 

Congratulations Ms. Alvarado! Thank you for all you do for the students at Columbia Elementary.

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Foothills Elementary fourth-grade teacher Mary Brown is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Mrs. Brown was nominated for the award by the staff at Foothills for positively impacting the lives of her students and fellow teachers.

Mrs. Brown creates a classroom rooted in belonging, where every student is valued, supported, and treated like family. Through thoughtful traditions, community service, and engaging, curriculum-connected experiences, she fosters both academic growth and character development. A respected leader and lifelong learner, she inspires colleagues across her school and the District while consistently helping her students achieve remarkable success.

Congratulations Mrs. Brown! Thank you for all you do for the students at Foothills Elementary School!

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Copper Hills High School mathematics teacher Jennifer Heckman is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Ms. Heckman was nominated for the award by the staff at Copper Hills for always going the extra mile for her students and colleagues. 

She bridges rigorous academics with deep empathy, consistently recognizing and meeting the often unseen needs of her students. A trusted mentor and “teacher’s teacher,” she builds the capacity of colleagues while serving as a strong, solution-focused voice connecting staff and administration. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, driving initiatives like a successful ACT prep program and ensuring students and staff alike feel supported, heard, and empowered to succeed.

Congratulations Ms. Heckman! Thank you for all you do for the students at Copper Hills High School.

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Bluffdale Elementary fourth-grade teacher Amanda Golesh is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Ms. Golesh was nominated for the award by the staff at Bluffdale for her ability to connect with students and help them achieve their goals. 

Her classroom is a highly engaged environment where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to actively participate in their learning. She fosters a culture of positivity and collaboration, ensuring every child has the support and strategies to succeed. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to growth have created a lasting impact on her students and school community.

Congratulations Ms. Golesh! Thank you for all you do for the students at Bluffdale Elementary School.

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Students from Mountain Ridge High School moved beyond the school building, trading classroom lectures for firsthand accounts of American history. More than 20 U.S. History students visited the Sagewood at Daybreak assisted living facility to interview residents as part of a class project called “Through Their Eyes: A Decades Project.” The initiative, led by social studies teacher Angie Lester, required students to research a specific decade from the 1950s through the 1980s and validate their findings through 20-minute interviews with those who lived through the era.

The project emphasizes the diversity of the human experience, requiring students to interview individuals with diverse viewpoints and backgrounds. By comparing these personal narratives, students are encouraged to discover how individual identity influences historical perspective. The intergenerational exchange will culminate in a “Decades Party,” a science fair-style exhibition where students will present trifold projects alongside historical artifacts. The event aims to transform the classroom into a time capsule.

Great job, Ms. Lester, in creating an impactful project that connects students with those from other generations in their community. What a meaningful experience for both the students and the residents of Sagewood at Daybreak.

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Learning in Mrs. Elliot’s classroom is fun as she creates routines like “Who Done It Wednesday” and themed learning experiences like “Jurassic Park Week” to make rigorous instruction both meaningful and memorable. She sets high expectations while inspiring students to collaborate, think critically, and develop confidence in their abilities. Known for her positivity and infectious laugh, she has created a lasting legacy for students in the classroom and colleagues who work alongside her. 

Congratulations, Mrs. Elliot! Thank you for all that you do for the students at Blackridge Elementary School.

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Mrs. Mueller’s impact is evident in both exceptional academic outcomes and life-changing student growth. Her entire kindergarten class met early literacy benchmarks by November, with more than 90% continuing to show strong progress and proficiency. Through high expectations, differentiated instruction, and daily reading and writing, she ensures every student has the support to succeed. Families consistently credit her with building confidence, overcoming challenges, and helping their children achieve milestones once thought out of reach.

Congratulations, Mrs. Mueller! Thank you for all that you do for the students at Aspen Elementary School.

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Through his work and life experiences, he encouraged students to see writing as more than perfect grammar or polished sentences. Instead, he emphasized curiosity, listening, and the courage to tell stories that matter, especially those often overlooked or untold.

Dr. Parry reminded students that no one needs permission to begin writing. Each person carries unique experiences and perspectives that the world needs to hear. By capturing memories, asking questions, and listening to others, students can help ensure important stories are never lost.

Thank you to Dr. Parry for sharing your expertise and encouraging Mountain Ridge students to find and tell the story from within.

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Supercast Episode 343

On this episode of the Supercast, meet West Jordan High School business and financial literacy teacher Makayla Brown who has a passion for playing women’s tackle football in the premier semi-pro league. Hear how this teacher balances her time in the classroom with her love for being on the football field taking on teams from all over the country, part of the Women’s National Football Conference.

• Episode info & audio transcription for Episode 343: Teacher by Day, Women’s Tackle Football Player by Night
• Previous episodes can be found at supercast.jordandistrict.org

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Thank you to SchoolAI for hosting Majestic students and opening their eyes to possible career fields in tech they can pursue after graduation!

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Students could stamp their passports by visiting tables and learning about cultures from around the world, including several Spanish-speaking countries, as part of the school’s Spanish Dual Language Immersion program. On stage, students performed songs and dances from places across the globe, including the Navajo Nation, Mexico, and Samoa. Congrats on an amazing event Welby Wildcats!

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The art showcase also gave the school a chance to look back on its history, displaying class photos, yearbooks, and awards from its 50-year history. Majestic was also visited by many former faculty and administrators, including Sally Barfuss, the wife of Majestic’s first principal, Joseph Barfuss. She stopped by with her daughter, Julie, to see the art and reminisce about being at the school when it opened in 1975.  

Happy 50th Birthday, Majestic! Stay golden!

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The 23rd Army Band provided an unforgettable educational experience for students of all ages. We extend our sincere gratitude to the band for sharing their time and talent with students and staff.

The post Utah National Guard’s 23rd Army Band Inspires Students Across Jordan School District appeared first on Jordan School District.

The special education team was thrilled to welcome dozens of outside agencies, which provided valuable information on services related to education, employment, independent living, and much more.

Thanks, as well, to everyone who participated, making the Transition Fair such a success! This is just one example of Jordan School District’s Special Education team working hard, always looking for ways to support students as they transition to their next chapter in life.

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Great job, Herriman Elementary students! Thank you for sharing your love of these cultures through art with your classmates and families.

The post Herriman Elementary DLI Students Celebrate Culture Through Dance appeared first on Jordan School District.

Supercast Episode 342

On this episode of the Supercast, meet the caring community volunteers who are part of the Jordan Education Foundation, making it possible to recognize and reward teachers who rise to the top. Teachers in every one of our schools, who are often brought to tears when total strangers show up to thank them for their tireless work in the classroom.

• Episode info & audio transcription for Episode 342: Community Volunteers, The Secret to Celebrating JSD “Outstanding Educators”
• Previous episodes can be found at supercast.jordandistrict.org

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The Jordan Learning Center hosted family board games, video game clashes, foosball matchups, pickleball, and more. Rocky Peak students cashed in class points for a trip to the school store, and everyone could get their faces painted or visit the Scholastic Book Fair.

For parents interested in virtual learning options for their children, the Jordan Virtual Learning Academy offers a program designed to cater to the diverse needs of students. Information on enrollment and courses available can be found at virtual.jordandistrict.org

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March 24, 2026 Board Meeting Summary

The post March 24 Board Meeting Update appeared first on Jordan School District.

• Angela Hansen (South Valley School)
• Shaylee Evans (Juniper Elementary)
• Jacqueline Ruiz (Copper Canyon Elementary)
• Colleen Henderson (Antelope Canyon Elementary)
• Eden Gabbitas (Fox Hollow Elementary)
• Adrienne Lansing (Bastian Elementary)

Congratulations to all the winners! Thank you for all that you do to positively impact the lives of our students.

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Great job letting your true colors shine through Principal Pollock!

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The “French Connection” event recently transformed Copper Hills High School into a vibrant hub of linguistic mentorship, as French Bridge Program students hosted sixth graders from the elementary French Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. The event was designed to foster a sense of community across grade levels, allowing older students to model advanced fluency while encouraging younger learners to continue pursuing their bilingual path. By stepping into the role of educators, the Bridge students created a supportive environment where the sixth graders could see real-world uses for French-speaking skills.

The elementary DLI students dived into deep discussions about the differences between a tourist and an explorer, celebrated the legacies of historical French-speaking heroes, and enjoyed Manie Musicale, where students debated the merits of various Francophone hits in a “March Madness” style bracket. This peer led approach not only reinforced critical vocabulary and cultural concepts but also proved that language learning at Copper Hills is about more than just language, it’s about connection and global citizenship.

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• Jessica Creek (Heartland Elementary)
• Tim Pluta (Westland Elementary)
• Tiffany Clifford (Oquirrh Elementary)
• Jessica Garcia (Mountain Shadows Elementary)
• Karen Smith (South Hills Middle School)
• Kelsie Berrett (Mountain Ridge High School)
• Kaisa Mortensen (Falcon Ridge Elementary)

Congratulations to all the winners! Thank you for all that you do to positively impact the lives of our students.

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The Utah Jazz, Jazz Bear, and Instructure (the makers of Canvas) had a big surprise for several Jordan School District teachers recently. Oquirrh Hills Middle School Social Studies teacher Kennady Longhurst, and Copper Hills High Special Education teacher Shane Lucas, were honored as 2025-2026 “Most Valuable Educators.” It is a program where the Jazz asks parents, students, teachers, and staff to nominate a teacher making a difference in their students’ lives.

“Most Valuable Educators” receive a $1,000 classroom grant, four tickets to a Utah Jazz game, recognition during the game, and a personalized Jazz jersey. Additionally, Instructure gave each school extra tickets to the Jazz game.

Congratulations Kennady Longhurst and Shane Lucas! Keep up the most valuable work you do as educators.

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