Enthusiasm for exceptional educators of 2025
Jun 05, 2025 01:14PM ● By Jet Burnham
Heather Lyon, Jordan Hills Elementary School, Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Educator of the Year. (Photo courtesy JSD) “Heather is a teacher-ninja,” one colleague said. “She connects with students, shows she cares and makes them feel safe. She is encouraging regardless of students’ academics. She is the go-to for some students with personal issues they may have. She will help them feel safe enough to accept help from a counselor or admin. She is attuned to social needs of students and provides helpful feedback to her team so we can meet their needs.”
West Jordan schools have an abundance of inspiring educators who go above and beyond to show up for their students, school and community. Here are some who have received special recognition for inspiring, nurturing and creatively educating their students.
West Jordan area schools celebrate award-winning teachers:
Itineris Early College High School, Robert Machol, Innovative Teacher Award from the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology
Joel P. Jensen Middle School, Resilient YOU 2025 Outstanding Middle School
Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle School, social studies teacher Krista Gibbons, Innovative Teacher Award from the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology
Majestic Elementary Arts Academy, K-3 music teacher Olivia Murphy, Outstanding Elementary Music Educator of the Year
South Valley School, Chelsea Lopez, 2025 Utah Council for Exceptional Children Outstanding Paraeducator Award
Spectrum Academy, Andrew Delcamp, UCET Innovative Teacher Award
Sunset Ridge Middle School, P.E. teacher Jenny Rossen, SHAPE’s Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
West Jordan High School, CTE Auto Body teacher Nathan Shields, New Teacher of the Year award: Skilled and Technical division
West Jordan High School, Robyn Briggs, ResilientYOU’s Exemplary Secondary Educator Award
West Jordan Middle School, health teacher Kathy Howa, SHAPE’s Linda Mayne Lifetime Achievement Award
West Jordan Middle School, social studies teacher William Shields, Founding Forward’s George Washington Honor Medal
Westvale Elementary School, art specialist Rachel Henderson, one of nine Utah educators to receive a 2025 Sorenson Legacy Award for Excellence in Arts Education
Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Educators of the Year (for West Jordan schools) *indicates top winners
Antelope Canyon Elementary School, ‘ Kellie Freestone
Columbia Elementary School,
Jessica “Jessi” Jensen
Copper Canyon Elementary School,
Julie Hilbig
Copper Hills High School, Mindi Little
Falcon Ridge Elementary School,
Shanda Sorensen*
Fox Hollow Elementary School,
Trish Packer
Hayden Peak Elementary School,
Silma Bailey
Heartland Elementary School,
Jessica Clawson*
Jordan Academy for Technology & Careers, Lisa Wadzeck
Jordan Hills Elementary School,
Heather Lyon*
Joel P. Jensen Middle School,
Laura Halverson
Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle School,
Kymberly “Kym” Harrison
Kings Peak Virtual High School,
Sharman Holloway
Majestic Arts Academy Elementary School, Vickie Daniels*
Mountain Shadows Elementary School, Jodie Ball
Oakcrest Elementary School, Jamie Wilhelm
Oquirrh Elementary School, Angela Garside
Riverside Elementary School,
Grimanesa Perez
Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary School, Emily Baugh
South Valley School, Emily LaRue*
Sunset Ridge Middle School,
Colette Memmott
Welby Elementary School, Alyssa Murray
West Hills Middle School, Evan Feinberg
West Jordan High School, Felicity Knight
West Jordan Middle School, William Shields
Westland Elementary School,
Rebecca Schaefer
Westvale Elementary School,
Amanda “Mandy” Moon λ
