Jo Lynn Ford – Principal of Mapleton Junior
Jo Lynn Ford was appointed by the Nebo Board of Education as the Principal of Mapleton Junior for Nebo School District. She will begin her new assignment in January 2021, when Nathan Whitney transfers as Principal to the new Maple Grove Middle School in Mapleton to prepare for its opening the fall of 2021.
Mrs. Ford is currently the Assistant Principal at Spanish Fork High School. She taught Special Education at Payson Junior, Mt. Nebo Junior, and Maple Mountain High. She served as career coordinator at Maple Mountain and Salem Hills and served as the Dean of Students for Salem Junior High.
Mrs. Ford received her bachelor’s degree in Agri-Business Management in 1987 from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in Business Management in 2004 from Utah State University. Mrs. Ford received a Certificate of Completion in Special Education in 2005 and Certificate of Completion in Education Administration in 2009, both from Southern Utah University.
A colleague said, “When working with students, Jo Lynn takes a counseling and respectful approach. Because she has been a special education teacher, career specialist, and had experience at both the high school and junior high levels, Jo Lynn draws on these years of working with students individually and seeks out possible solutions to help change behavior and increase academic success. Without a doubt, students feel comfortable working with her. Jo Lynn will bring great wisdom and personality to the job.”
Jo Lynn enjoys volunteering, gardening, and restoring old homes. She said, “Education, it’s all about the kids.” Jo Lynn is married to Ben. They reside in Payson and have four children: Taylor, B.J., Alex, and Jake.
Michael Johnson – Principal of Sage Creek Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Michael Johnson as the Principal of Sage Creek Elementary in Springville for Nebo School District. He will begin his new assignment January 2021, when Alison Hansen transfers as Principal to the new Spring Canyon Middle School in Springville to prepare for its opening the fall of 2021.
Mike received his Bachelor’s of Education Degree from Brigham Young University and his Master’s of Education Degree and Administrative Endorsement from Southern Utah University.
Mr. Johnson has worked for Nebo District for 26 years. He served as the Principal of Hobble Creek Elementary for the past eight years, Principal of Larsen Elementary for six years, taught third grade for four years, and fifth grade for eight years.
Mr. Johnson was named Rookie Principal of the Year in 2009 by the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals (UAESP) and Region 10 Utah PTA Outstanding School Administrator Award for 2019-2020. Mike served as the UAESP President for 2019-20.
A colleague said, “Michael displays great ability to organize and carry out the day-to-day operations. He can present ideas in an energetic and positive way. Michael is a leader with a vision and goals and has great rapport with his faculty and staff.”
Mike enjoys traveling, music, and spending time with family and friends. He stated, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Michael Sorensen – Principal of Hobble Creek Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Michael Sorensen as Principal of Hobble Creek Elementary in Mapleton for Nebo School District. He will begin his new assignment January 2021, when Michael Johnson transfers as the Principal of Sage Creek Elementary in Springville.
Michael earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Southern Utah University.
Mr. Sorensen served as the Assistant Principal for the past two years and Dean of Students for three years at Diamond Fork Junior. He was the Title I Coordinator at Taylor Elementary for three years, taught at Mapleton Elementary for seven years, and at Westside Elementary for one year.
A colleague said, “Mike is proactive in taking the initiative to help wherever and whenever needed. He has gained the admiration and respect of our entire faculty, staff, and student body.”
Mr. Sorensen said, “I believe that educators who build strong relationships with students and show that they truly care make the biggest impact. Education is so much more than just academics, we are teaching and preparing students to be well-rounded members of society and are instrumental in building student capacity academically, socially, and emotionally. I can't think of a better place to be each day than in a school building surrounded by dedicated educators and amazing students. I am thrilled to be a part of the Hobble Creek community, go Hawks!”
Another colleague said, “Mike is a natural when it comes to education. It is obvious that he has the skills needed to ensure student success in all aspects of a school setting. He is congenial, outgoing, patient, and easy to approach.”
Mike loves spending time with his wife, Andrea, and three children. He enjoys watching BYU football/basketball and the San Francisco Giants. As far as activities, Michael likes to run, golf, cycle, garden, and read a good book.
#BeTheMagic #NeboHero #NeboSchoolDistrict #StudentSuccess #EmpowerStudents #EngageStudents #FocusOnStudents #LoveUTpublicSchools #UtPol #UtEd #ThankATeacher #LoveTeaching #covid19 #staywellnebo
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Administration Changes sm 11 11 20.jpg | 1.37 MB |
