Region 1
Don Rasmussen
Language Arts/Social Science Teacher
Windsor Middle School

Don Rasmussen is a passionate teacher who has earned the respect and admiration of students of all backgrounds and abilities. Said one student, "Mr. Rasmussen is the best teacher I've ever had. He's strict, but he makes learning fun." Don teaches language arts, ELD language arts, social science, a computer elective, and AVID. He speaks Spanish and Mandarin and is known for his exceptional ability to reach all students, from GATE to special education and English learners. With another teacher, he created a seventh-grade archeological dig unit that recently won a Golden Bell award. In addition, he co-developed a team-teaching model that blends special education and GATE students and has won accolades. As a trainer in non-verbal strategies that maximize learning, Don provides site- and district-level staff development. He also coordinates the academic pentathlon program. He has served as ASB advisor and on the site council, GTE advisory council, English language advisory council, and superintendent's finance committee. In his unscheduled time, Don can often be found playing soccer with kids at lunch time, juggling with kids at break, planning the next assembly, covering classes for a colleague, or advising parents. It is rare to find a teacher who combines a passion for teaching with the skills to engage all students.

Region 2
Mary Jo Hansen
Physical Education Teacher
West Cottonwood Middle School

For the past 29 years, Mary Jo Hansen has been a positive force in presenting healthy models for living to her students. She leads by example, choosing healthy life choices, displaying an enthusiastic and dedicated work ethic, and following a policy of fairness for all. Her demanding but caring teaching style endears her to students. Each day, she team-teaches 225 students in physical education; she is also in her twenty-ninth year of coaching eighth-grade girls' Mary Jo's impact. Yet her dedicaa policy of fairness for all. Her demanding but caring teaching style endears her to students. Each day, she team-teaches 225 students in physical education; she is also in her twenty-ninth year of coaching eighth-grade girls' Mary Jo's impact. Yet her dedicavolleyball. She has developed an inclusive curriculum that incorporates activities for all students, such as swimming, dance and Frisbee golf. The student fitness scores in her school's physical education program are outstanding directly reflect She is an exemplary role model and a tremendous asset to her district and community.Mary Jo's impact.

Region 3
Brian Weitzel
Computer/Media Teacher
Carnegie Middle School

In Brian Weitzel's first two years at Carnegie Middle School, he has made a tremendous impact. He implemented a live morning broadcast and news show, produced by students in his media class, that highlights academics, sports, community outreach and day-to-day activities. Brian is visible at every event on campus with his camera in tow, planning ways to recognize students. His media class also produces a 90-minute video yearbook and an evening event modeled after the Oscars to highlight student achievement. As the driving force behind moving the school to a wireless campus, Brian served as technical advisor on all the equipment purchases, including the mobile laptop lab. He worked with the district on the installation of necessary hardware and trained school staff to use the lab in ways that support learning and provide students with maximum hands-on experience. On weekends, he often contributes personal hours to maintaining the campus computers. This dedication is evident in other ways as well. With local law enforcement, Brian hosted an evening meeting for parents on Internet safety. He serves on the school site council and is active in his team and department. According to colleagues, Brian is the consummate teacher: inspired, dedicated and determined to make a difference

Region 4
Jim Nash
Art and Technology Teacher
East Avenue Middle School

Jim Nash is an educator who is passionate about his profession. Thirty-three years ago, he stepped into the art room at his school and he has been inspiring students and colleagues ever since. During that time, he has taught art, ceramics, yearbook, journalism, language arts, social studies and technology. In the days when computers were barely on the horizon, Jim was writing grants to secure site computers. Today, his technology students give PowerPoint presentations in art history, world cultures and career awareness that reflect themes of tolerance and diversity. It is his remarkable ability to integrate curricular issues with life lessons that makes Jim a respected and valued teacher, one who views students as individuals, engages them and gives them a feeling of ownership of the task of learning. Jim's enthusiasm for education extends into other areas of his professional career as well. At a time when many senior staff would ease out of responsibilities, Jim serves on the academic council, school site council and the tolerance committee. He mentors colleagues in technology and is a trainer and supporter for site conflict managers. At staff meetings, Jim is the person who cuts to the chase, clarifies action steps, and reminds everyone that "it's all about the kids.

Region 5
Sam Navarez
Social Science Teacher/Department Chair
Brownell Middle School

Sam Navarez is described by his principal as a multidimensional icon on campus. He speaks quietly, listens intently, and acts on behalf of each of his middle school students. When Sam teaches the wonders of ancient civilizations and American history, his deep sense of commitment to his profession shines as he instills in students the democratic and social values that make us all Americans. He designs standards-based lessons that incorporate technology and require teamwork, cooperation and discussion among students. In addition to his teaching, Sam has coached many sports, most recently volleyball. As the chair of the social science department, Sam leads the evaluation and revision of instructional methods based on student performance. His department has created common assessments and is developing benchmarks assignments and a comprehensive, coordinated social science curriculum for all three grades. In addition, Sam provides ongoing staff development to colleagues at his site on meeting the needs of English learners in the content areas. From teaching techniques, such as color coding class lists for various reading and speaking levels, to demonstrating the strategies he just discussed, his training sessions emphasize not only ELD strategies but good teaching techniques that apply to all students. He is an exemplary educator.

Region 6
Valorie Periera
Athletic Director
Denair Middle School

For nearly three decades, Valorie Periera has been an icon on her middle school campus. Her ability to relate to and work with preadolescents is one her strongest characteristics, and she frequently mentors both new and veteran teachers on the developmental aspects of this unique age group. As she has a multiple subject credential, Valorie has frequently taught core subjects for her small school over the years, but her primary teaching assignment has been physical education. As the current athletic director and a teacher of physical education and health, Valorie holds very high standards for her student athletes. She stresses commitment, skill building, teamwork and citizenship, as these attributes prepare students for the next level of athletic competition. For many students, Valorie is not just a teacher but a counselor. She takes the time to know each student and place their needs first. According to her principal, Valorie is very caring, yet her classroom management and instruction consistently exceed his expectations. Rather than slowing down and looking forward to retirement, Valorie continues to improve her curriculum and take a leadership role in improving the campus and implementing school-wide activities that make students want to participate in the learning community. She is a leader and an excellent educator.

Region 7
Kimberly Buendia
Eighth Grade Laptop AB/Leadership Teacher
Reyburn Intermediate School

A leader in every sense of the word, Kim Buendia works tirelessly and with genuine enthusiasm to promote success for all students and colleagues at her school site. Early in the morning and into the evening, Kim can be found on campus providing extra support for students. In her work as an eighth grade Laptop AB teacher, Kim teaches language, literature and history to the same group of students using laptops. She has an innate ability to encourage students to reach their full potential. She designs standards-based lessons, assesses student learning and uses the results to guide her instruction. She supports her students socially as well as academically by incorporating character education lessons into her courses; her leadership classes teach the skills needed to be a quality leader. This year, she devoted nights and weekends to starting an after-school language arts and math intervention program that effectively meets the needs of the students it serves based on student STAR test results. She also developed and implemented a credit recovery lab for students at risk of failing to articulate to high school. For staff, Kim has provided professional development training in writing. She also has served as a master teacher, mentor teacher, grade level chair, faculty senate representative, and on many district committees.

Region 8
Rebecca Mieliwocki
English Teacher/Seventh Grade Chair
Luther Burbank Middle School

Rebecca Mieliwocki is the ultimate professional; she incorporates compassion, humor and passion for the education of middle school students into her teaching. Enter her classroom, and you'll be amazed at the smooth operations that are aided by the five current student "managers" who apply throughout the year for a turn at handling the various aspects of their English classroom. Standards-based lessons, high expectations for all, and respect for individual progress and improvement characterize her instructional style. From English learners to a fully-included special education student, Rebecca involves and challenges all students so they may achieve beyond their own expectations. Rebecca has been instrumental in transforming her team of 90 students into a community of learners. Team parents are encouraged as partners in learning and provided with clear expectations for their roles and their children's roles. Rebecca's popular weekend team field trips extend learning beyond the classroom and involve students, teachers and families. As seventh grade chair, she demonstrates leadership through monthly meetings that center on how to raise student achievement. She is a master at pulling people together to focus on what is best for students. According to colleagues, Rebecca's school is a better place as a result of her dedicated and caring heart.

2006 STATE EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Region 9
Susan Glass
Science Department Chair
Oak Crest Middle School

Catching up with Susan Glass is difficult; you can count on her to be on the go. A role model for young people, Susan piques students' interest in science with engaging lessons. Standards are posted and there is an air of accomplishment in her classroom. Her earrings and shirts often reflect the lesson being taught that day, whether it is the solar system, spiders or Mendel's sweet peas. She invests a great deal of time and effort into teaching, volunteering free time before, during and after school to help students. In return, her students know she expects them to work hard. Last year she spent two intensive months preparing students for the regional Science Olympiad competition. As the science department chair, Susan takes new science teachers under her wing, sharing lesson plans, techniques, equipment and standards integration tips. She also arranges class observations for science staff. As director of the summer transitional camp for new, incoming seventh and eighth graders, Susan ensures students new to the campus are more comfortable when the school year officially starts. As social committee director, she builds staff unity through birthdays and other celebrations. Susan always goes above and beyond to help students make the most of their formative middle school years.

Region 10
Irene Johnson
Eighth Grade GATE Liaison
Yucca Mesa Elementary School

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and proactive, Irene Johnson has dedicated her life to education. A teacher with 31 years of experience in North Dakota and California, Irene teaches today with the same passion and excitement she exhibited at the start of her career. Her innovative teaching strategies improve student achievement while making learning fun and exciting, as demonstrated by eighth grade student score increases from 0 percent proficient/advanced under the tutelage of a previous teacher to 62 and 44 percent proficient/advanced under her stewardship over the last two years. She never hesitates to integrate strategies such as action learning, differentiated instruction and standards-based report cards into her repertoire. Irene serves a student population that is highly diverse and economically disadvantaged. She strives to motivate her students and succeeds through varying after-school and weekend efforts, such as coordinating the after-school GATE enrichment program; advising the student council; teaching after-school remedial algebra; organizing geography bees, spelling bees, talent shows and dances; and coaching spirit squads and track teams. She values parent-school partnerships, frequently communicating with parents and making home visits to students in need. For staff, she chairs curriculum committees and participates in district writing calibration meetings. Irene offers a positive and exceptional representation of her school, district and profession.

Region 11
Brad Gregory
Science Department Chair
Fedde Middle School

A dedicated educational leader, Brad Gregory is always supportive of students, staff, parents and his school. In the classroom, Brad demonstrates an exemplary ability to work with and support his diverse students. As a result, students gravitate to him. In his role as the science chair, Brad is responsible for the department and also serves as the district's site lead teacher for the district-wide Science Olympics. He was instrumental in the design of the school's new environmental center, which has replaced aging blacktop with a beautiful environmental studies garden. During modernization, he helped guide the layout of the state-of-the-art science laboratories, bridging the design with the demands of the school's magnet focus. A nurturing and supportive colleague, Brad volunteers his time to mentor new teachers, providing general support and helping them to design and develop lessons. He is often tapped as a resource by other district science teachers as well due to his wealth of professional knowledge. In addition, Brad chairs the site council and served as the lead for all PQR and CCR reviews at two middle schools in his district. All these activities frequently keep him on campus well into the evening hours. According to his principal, Brad's biggest attribute in his heart and his sense of giving.