TEACHER OF THE YEAR Denise Mott, Ascent Academy Denise is a veteran educator and has changed many students’ lives over her 30 years in education. She maintains very high expectations for academics and behavior in her classroom. Year after year, students stretch themselves to reach those expectations because the students know she loves them and is genuinely concerned for their success. She builds foundations of trust with her students, who are blessed to be in the classroom of this master teacher. Runner-up: Kathryn Connolly, North Davis Preparatory Academy ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR Tracey Nelsen, GreenWood Charter School Tracey is dedicated to GreenWood Charter School. Her confident leadership shows faith in her teachers, staff and students. She showed grit through the pandemic and doesn’t give up on challenges. She literally had to deal with a dumpster fire! She celebrates the positives and encourages students and staff to grow and develop. She has an open-door policy and lends a hand wherever it is needed. Runner-up: Fernando Seminario, Paradigm High School ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Kory Kyker, Itineris Early College High School Kory is the Registrar at Itineris Early College High School. He has jumped into this essential role with “gusto” and is not afraid to reach out to others, find the best way to complete his role and support students. His attention to detail helped the school stay compliant with the state, while his friendly personality has made him approachable to students and parents. He has tackled the complex master schedule at Itineris with its many concurrent enrollment courses and is constantly looking for ways to improve processes. Runner-up: Betta Gillespie, Legacy Preparatory Academy EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Gloria Tapia, Dual Immersion Academy Gloria is the Assessment/RTI Director at DIA. She also manages federal grants. Gloria builds community wherever she goes and advocates for her RTI staff. She is always looking for ways to build her own skill set in order to best serve students and their families. Student achievement has made great progress, and the numbers show it. Gloria brings both levity and professionalism to DIA programs and the school. She is always approachable, positive and effective in her role. Runner-up: Bruce Hinckley, Career Path High School 21
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