2025-26 Teachers and Staff of the Year

Angie Braegger is White Pine Elementary School's 2025-26 Teacher of the Year. Discover how a legally blind childhood educator inspired her career, how she uses elastic desk bands to keep ten-year-olds focused, and why she believes teaching this "in-between" age group is a truly worthy purpose.

Mindy Brown often incorporates singing and dancing into her teaching, making her classroom a place full of laughter and learning. Principal Randy Bennion describes her as “a really fun teacher.” Read more about how she is her Spartans’ best cheerleader!

Mrs. Melissa Shelton grew up promising herself she would never become a teacher like the rest of her family. Today, after 27 years in the classroom, she’s being celebrated as Summit Elementary's Teacher of the Year!

Charlotte Abouo arrived in Utah 20 years ago from the Ivory Coast, speaking fluent French and Spanish but struggling to converse in English. Discover how an immigration visa lottery changed her life, and how she coaxes a cognitive "miracle" out of first-graders every single year.

Mountain Crest High School’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year has been teaching there for over 13 years, inspiring students and staff alike with her strong commitment to learning.

Georgianne “Georgie” Jensen has spent 27 years teaching first grade. She is beloved by her colleagues and students, whom she describes as “mine forever.” Now, as she prepares for a well-deserved retirement, Cedar Ridge Elementary celebrates her as the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year.

Holly Mitchell is pragmatic, friendly, and dedicated: qualities that make her a strong mentor for students. Her career is grounded in intentional choices that support her family and make our community a better place to be. Read more about Green Canyon's 2025-26 Teacher of the Year.

Sharla York works hard to consistently improve her teaching, pushing her students to the next level of academic achievement. Learn more about why she loves being a teacher!

Jeremy Wells has spent nine years fine-tuning Ridgeline High’s band program. He builds a community for students where everyone belongs. Read more about what makes Mr. Wells an exceptional part of the Riverhawk family.

Sunrise Elementary’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year connects with her students through the Portuguese language, making her classroom a fun and caring space.

Lynn Ringer was too humble to be interviewed about the incredible work she does. So, a colleague did it for her. Read more about what makes her such a compassionate and selfless educator.

From teaching in the classroom for over 20 years to keeping everyone safe as the school safety specialist, Melissa Houser feels that Nibley is her second home.

Craig Day’s pathway into the classroom was unconventional, but he has found a calling in nurturing and challenging his students to be their best. Discover how his teaching transforms how his middle schoolers see themselves.

Miss Sheppard guides Wellsville Elementary’s littlest Wolf Cubs to love and protect those even smaller than themselves. Her dedication and caring have earned her Wellsville’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year award.

Molly Clayson helps her resource students feel safe to grow by cultivating a classroom grounded in warmth and tranquility.

Greenville Elementary’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year fills her classroom with love. Her students bask in her steady, gentle nature, which brings out their best.

Andrea Thompson’s journey from graduating from SV to teaching current Bobcats was a winding adventure. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

Mrs. Swasey, a veteran educator, was chosen as the Cougars’ Teacher of the Year for her decades of devoted work with young students.

Mrs. Ritchie sets an example of leading with joy, love of learning, and care for others. Her kindergarten students eagerly follow that example.

“She doesn’t just teach lessons– she teaches kids, every day.” Kennedy Fielding’s fifth-grade classroom is characterized by her grace, her passion for learning, and her advocacy for students.

Mrs. Larsen was chosen as Birch Creek Elementary’s Teacher of the Year for her empathy, her rigorous (but joyful) academics, and her unique ability to make every single student feel like they are her "favorite."

Cindy Allen didn't want a solo portrait for her Teacher of the Year award. Instead, she wanted her whole faculty "family" in the frame. Discover how Spring Creek’s 7th-grade health teacher turns her classroom into an oasis of optimism and love.

Lewiston Elementary’s Teacher of the Year is beloved by students and colleagues alike for her gentle heart, healthy sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to nurture all within her sphere of influence.

She doesn't just teach lessons—she changes lives. Meet Tayler Federico, Cache High's newest Teacher of the Year!

Poulsen teaches the school’s English Learners classes. Her work transforms lives each day, giving our refugee and immigrant students the tools to succeed.

Miner teaches first grade at River Heights, a position her colleagues and students agree she was made for. We are proud to recognize her as one of our district’s finest teachers.

“Colt loves everything that goes fast and loud,” Transportation Director Wayne Reese shared. Read more about this exceptional member of our team!

Leslie Harris, CCSD’s Child Nutrition Employee of the Year, approaches each day with a positive attitude and a focus on teamwork that gets things done and keeps everyone happy. Read about her history at Sunrise Elementary, and what she loves about her job.

Haslam has spent 18 years empowering Canyon Colts with her bright enthusiasm, genuine care for students, and passion for PE.

He’s been a sweeper since high school and now holds the keys to keeping a 60-year-old campus pristine. Read about Cade Wallentine, Sky View's dedicated Head Custodian, and why his pride in a job well done made him the CCSD Custodian of the Year.

A beloved administrative assistant is retiring after 20 years, but not before being named the district's best. In this tribute article, we reflect on Cindy Lundskog’s extraordinary legacy at Ridgeline and Mountain Crest High Schools.