Canyon Elementary’s Heartbeat: Elise Haslam Named CCSD Specialist of the Year

For 18 years, Elise Haslam has been a vibrant, indispensable force at Canyon Elementary, shaping not only the physical education of its students but also the smooth operation of the entire school. Her dedication and willingness to consistently go above and beyond have earned her the prestigious title of Cache County School District Paraprofessional/Specialist of the Year.

For 17 of those years, Haslam has served as the school’s PE Specialist, a role she took on after a "life education" spent coaching her own children in various sports. She believes in exposing students to the foundational basics of many activities so they don't feel awkward or "left out" when they decide to try something new.

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Haslam's enthusiasm is clear: “My favorite thing about what I do is being able to be with the kids. They’re so fun. I get to play with them! Who could ask for a better job than playing with kids?!”

With 800 children at Canyon Elementary, getting to know each one is a formidable task, but it’s one Haslam embraces. “I try to learn their names. I try to learn what they like, whether they are more or less physically inclined,” she explains. This personalized approach allows her to strike a balance in the gym, ensuring every student has a positive experience.

Haslam is a master at tailoring activities to meet all kinds of student needs. She motivates reluctant movers by framing physical activity as an opportunity to grow through hard things, and she works closely with students with disabilities to find ways for them to engage fully.

She also cleverly deputizes high achievers as mini-coaches. “I approach those students and tell them, ‘I have all of these friends that don’t know what they’re doing. I need you to help me to help them have a good experience.’ And most of the time, they step up to that and just really take on that role,” she says.

Her curriculum extends far beyond “traditional” sports, including unique activities like coordinated dances performed for parents on Halloween, jump roping units, and finding ways to move in the classroom on stormy days. “I like helping the children see that there’s more to physical movement than just running laps or shooting hoops,” she adds.

Haslam's impact isn't confined to the gym. Her principal credits her with consistently seeing a need and simply taking care of it.

“I’ll find out that Elise has already done something that I needed taken care of, or I’ll come to talk to her about something, and she always says, ‘oh, I’m happy to do that,’” now-retired Principal Leslie Burt explained. Beyond managing all gym reservations and scheduling, Haslam is a fixture in the front office at the end of the day.

She jumps in to help the secretary handle the busy rush of dismissal, ensuring kindergarteners are settled and all students get where they need to be. “Elise just says, ‘You know what, I’ll finish up with the kindergarteners. I’ll just pop in here after and help you out,’” Burt said.

This willingness to help in any capacity is why she is so loved by the entire school community. Principal Burt said it best: “If you spoke to anyone in the school, they would all have a million wonderful things to say about Elise. This recognition is well-deserved, and I’m so thrilled.”