“There is nothing more fulfilling than observing the transformative”: Providence Elementary’s Teacher of the Year

For Charlotte Abouo, transformation is the essence of teaching. It’s a fitting philosophy for a woman who learned three languages, traveled over 6,000 miles to immigrate to Utah, and has spent 13 years teaching first graders in dual-language schools.

Madame Abouo’s French classroom is a haven of color and warmth, an environment so rich and nourishing that her seven-year-olds literally shouted for joy when it was time to practice counting to 100. 

Standing before them like a queen, Charlotte sang and danced to the rhythm of the counting, praising her “chatons” (kittens) when they reached multiples of ten. “Kittens” is an apt endearment. They follow her lead like she’s the Pied Piper of learning.

“Teaching is my calling,” she says. “I am deeply inspired by my students’ growth. I want them to learn that language is more than just words; it is a bridge that connects cultures and enriches the human experience.” 

Abouo is a first-hand example of the power of multilingualism. She lived much of her life in Côte d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast), speaking only French. But after hearing beautiful music sung in Spanish, she realized she wanted to expand her horizons. “I wanted so badly to understand them,” she shared. “I thought, If I could understand this language, I could break down a barrier.”

One day, she had an epiphany. “I remember listening to a song where they were playing the guitar, and they sang the word guitarra,” she said. “I was so amazed because in French, the word is guitare. I realized I could already understand bits of it! I spent many years learning Spanish, and ultimately chose to become a teacher– I want to help other people break down those barriers.”

That noble pursuit has led to a 13-year career teaching our very youngest students. “Charlotte has been a founding, yet unrecognized, pillar of the DLI program at Providence since its very beginning,” Principal Jeff Keck shared. “She skillfully guides her young students, fostering a safe and positive classroom environment built on patience and firm, mindful teaching.”

For Abouo, the path that led her to Providence was nothing short of, well, providential. 

“My life has been full of miracles,” she said. A family friend, weary of domestic turmoil in his homeland, applied to the U.S. Embassy’s Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. On a whim, he also submitted an application for the Abouo family. When the lottery results were announced, the Abouos had been selected, and they immigrated shortly thereafter.

“We came to the U.S. not knowing anyone and not knowing what life would be like. We had only seen it in the movies, but you never truly know the reality until you experience it with your own eyes. We decided to take the leap, come here, and live our own experience.”

The experience was transformative for Madame Abouo, who previously spoke almost no English. After receiving a Master’s Degree in Spanish from Utah State University, she decided to spend her career giving that gift to others. “I feel deeply that this is what I am meant to do, because every year I get to witness a miracle,” she said. “Learning a language is not merely a subject to be studied. It is a powerful tool for connection, empathy, and global citizenship.”

Abouo is excited for the 2026-27 school year transition because her transfer to Spring Creek DLI Elementary School will put her at the perfect intersection of the three languages (French, Spanish, and English) that she loves the most. 

Wherever she goes, Charlotte adores her students. “I am absolutely dedicated to them,” she said. “I get emotional just thinking about them. They are miracles, and I am amazed to watch the transformations they make.”

One thing is certain: our school district is a better place because of the profound love she brings to our students. Merci beaucoup, Madame Abouo.