Nebo Junior High and Middle Schools' Teachers of the Year 2020 - 2021
Trudy Dinkel
Mt. Nebo Middle
“Mrs. Dinkel is amazing with students. As a special education teacher, she knows all her students very well and strives to help each one, each day. She is often helping her team. She covers classes for others during COVID-19 and is always going the extra mile. Mrs. Dinkel always has a smile on her face. She is a tremendous asset to Mt. Nebo Middle, and we are grateful she is a part of our staff.”
Kate Elliott
Valley View Middle
“Kate is among the highest caliber of teachers. Her dedication to helping students and colleagues is admirable. Kate’s cheerful and kind demeanor makes it easy for her students to ask her for help. She creates a wonderful culture and sets her students up for success.”
Dennis Olsen
Diamond Fork Junior High
“Dennis is simply a legend and beloved teacher. He has a sense of humor and wit that endears him to his students. He challenges honor students and supports struggling students well. Dennis exhibits a unique kindness and support to teachers. He will drop by their room to offer support and drop by a bag of cookies. Dennis is a treasure for other math teachers and the community. He is a devoted teacher, whose exemplary role model will have a positive impact on his students. There could be no finer candidate to represent the teaching profession than Dennis Olsen.”
Kelly Cook
Mapleton Junior High
“Kelly is a rockstar in our school. She has built her drama department every year. Her students are constantly challenged to expand their comfort zone and improve their skills. Kelly is invaluable to our student learning and curriculum team. She is an agent of positive change in our school and community. We are lucky to have her!”
Kalee Simons
Payson Junior High
“Kalee is an extraordinary special education teacher that works hard in and out of the classroom. Her students love her and have so much fun while they learn. She goes above and beyond creating funny and entertaining videos that includes many people to help our counselors introduce available classes to students. Kalee loves her job, loves her students, and loves life! Everyone else feels Kalee’s love for them.”
Vanessa Gillie
Salem Junior High
“Vanessa cares about the success of her students and works hard to engage students to learn at their very best level. One students said, ‘She is a phenomenal teacher making class fun. She is always patient and very positive.’
“Vanessa teaches new teachers strategies that provide hope and help to teachers with very difficult classes and situations. She is always thinking about ways to make the English Department and school better.”
Shane Waters
Spanish Fork Junior High
“Shane works hard to support our students and faculty. He is always willing to help wherever needed. Shane developed a method to film and broadcast our events this year that allowed unlimited access to all stakeholders whom could not attend events. Shane creates a fun and positive learning environment for his students.”
Cristy Bird
Springville Junior High
“Cristy is the type of educator that every child deserves and every school needs–she is dedicated to her students and peers. She has developed high-quality curriculum for the math team and is currently the eight-grade math team leader for the district curriculum framework. Many students that were behind grade level have improved and made significant progress.
“Also, Cristy is the assistant director and choreographer for the school play. She puts in time and effort to provide students with a space to develop and with a sense of belonging. We are grateful for Cristy’s dedication to all.”
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