Liberty Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Aimee Ballard recently was recognized with a Teacher Excellence Award from Western Governors University, an honor that highlights educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of their students.

Ballard was one of eight teachers across the Wasatch Front selected during WGUs “Because of You” Teacher Appreciation Night, a celebration bringing together educators from several local school districts, said Melissa Jensen, WGU Senior Partner Success Manager. It was the first in-person event in the program’s 25-year history.

“What an incredible night honoring educators who so deeply deserve to be recognized and celebrated,” she said. “The stories shared, the support shown and the genuine appreciation in the room made the evening truly special. It was inspiring to have representatives from seven districts across Utah gathered together to celebrate the impact teachers make every single day.”

Ballard was among those honored along with Alexandria Jensen, Midvale Middle, Canyons School District; Gretchen Manaugh, Hayden Peak Elementary, Jordan School District; Colin Brophy, Jim Bridger Elementary, Granite School District; and other educators representing Davis, Alpine and Salt Lake districts.

The Liberty teacher said the award came as a complete surprise.

“I got an email saying I was selected,” she said. “I didn’t even know I was nominated.”

The person who nominated her was Liberty grandparent Yolanda Marino, who wrote a letter to WGU detailing the progress made this year with her grandson, Braylix Carranza.

“She deserves this,” Marino said. “She made a big difference in my grandson’s life.”

Marino said Braylix had lived in three different homes and attended two different schools in the past three years, struggling with school attendance and behavior. 

“He was often aggressive, resistant and unhappy in school environments. Everything changed when he entered fourth grade and became a student in Mrs. Ballard’s classroom. His transformation has been remarkable. She took the time, love and understanding for him,” Marino said. 

Ballard, who had met Braylix in her reading group two years ago, already knew a bit about his challenges before he arrived in her fourth-grade class. She made it her goal from the beginning to build trust slowly and intentionally.

“I wanted to build a relationship,” she said. “Building relationships with my students is my favorite thing to do, but in this case, I had to do it slowly and let him be the driver.”

That patience meant meeting him where he was, allowing space and letting trust develop at his pace. Over time, she noticed small, meaningful changes as the distance lessened, the hoodie wasn’t pulled up over his face and there were moments of connection.

“He started coming around the edge of the desk and we’d work on things together, but I was excited; I love this kid,” she said.

At that point, those moments mattered as much as academic progress.

“My biggest philosophy is for them to come to school and feel safe, welcomed and loved, then we can worry about tests and all that,” she said.

Marino said Ballard’s approach made the difference.

“She has an incredible ability to meet each student where they are, almost as if she can multiply herself to ensure every child feels seen, supported and valued,” she said, adding her grandson began to enjoy school and was making friends. “Her dedication has brought stability, confidence and joy into my grandson’s life — gifts that will stay with him forever.”

That, in itself, has been rewarding to Ballard.

“Every day is different, but the brightest part of the day is the relationships you build with each and every student,” she said. “It brings smiles to their faces and mine.”