Inspiring Growth and Confidence: Nancy Poulsen Named North Park Teacher of the Year

Hello! ¡Hola! 你好! lakwe! Bonjour! 

These are a few of the friendly greetings a visitor to Nancy Poulsen’s English Learner classroom might encounter. Poulsen is North Park Elementary’s 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, and she brings profound energy and passion to her role. With 17 years dedicated to the Cache County School District (CCSD), 12 of them as a certified teacher, Poulsen’s impact reaches far beyond traditional instruction. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive and challenging learning environment has earned her this well-deserved recognition.

North Park Principal Jullie Payne spoke highly of Poulsen's ability to motivate students. "Nancy inspires students to stretch beyond their comfort zones as learners," Payne remarked. "Under her guidance, students eagerly attempt challenging academic tasks."

This drive for growth is a hallmark of Poulsen’s teaching philosophy. She excels at nurturing a positive space where risk-taking is encouraged. Principal Payne emphasized how Poulsen "fosters a classroom culture that celebrates curiosity and growth."

Multilingual education is a crucial bridge for many of our refugee and immigrant students. Poulsen’s passion for supporting these students is evident in her own words. "My favorite part of being a teacher is getting to see students discover new skills and grow in their confidence as learners," she shared. "I also love being able to support and advocate for them, helping ensure they have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”

Principal Payne praised Poulsen as an invaluable member of the North Park staff. She noted, "Nancy collaborates well with other teachers and staff members, working along with them to find the most effective ways to support those students she works with." This teamwork ensures that the EL students receive a cohesive and comprehensive support system across the school.

Poulsen modestly credited her colleagues for making school a great place to be. "I love being an EL teacher at North Park!” she said. “We have such an amazing team of teachers and staff who work together to create an inclusive, supportive environment where every student can thrive.”

Nancy Poulsen’s influence is most profoundly seen in her students. Her dedication has resulted in more than just academic gains; it has fostered critical life skills. The impact of her work is clearly visible in her students’ confidence, perseverance, and genuine love of learning. She provides the skills and the belief necessary for them to succeed, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

An aide in her classroom summed it up best. “Nancy is incredible. She absolutely deserves this recognition.”