Charter Employee of the Month

This is Amber Partridge, a Paraprofessional at Wallace Stegner Academy's SLC Campus. Emma Giauque, who is a SLT, nominated Ms. Partridge. She wrote, “Amber recognizes that teaching goes beyond getting kids to solve problems on a worksheet- she builds a personal relationship with every student. She knows each of her students likes and dislikes, things about their families, hobbies and interests... and she has become a teacher of trust with both her students and their families. With Amber, these students who were previously struggling to sit through a class are thriving and excited to be at school. Amber is an inspiration and role model of what the teaching profession should look like.

Terrific work, Ms. Partridge! We love having great paraprofessionals in schools like you!

This is Cristina Hortin. She is the Assistant Principal at Summit Academy’s Independence Campus.

Parent Cara Bills from the Parent Teacher Organization who nominated Ms. Hortin writes, "Christina is the definition of a well rounded and caring administrator. She goes so far above and beyond to make sure the students, teachers and families are taken care of in a way that so easily gets overlooked. She is personable, kind, caring, intelligent, wonderful at her job, and so spectacular with her students."

Great job helping families and students, Ms. Hortin! Keep up the excellent work!

This is Jamie Lewis. She is the Principal at Thomas Edison North.

Board Chair Oliva Kirkham writes, "Mrs. Lewis took over as principal this year during a very difficult time for the school, and she has done a phenomenal job stepping into that role. She has built great relationships with staff members and helped unify the school. She cares deeply about the staff, students, and parents, and it shows. She is organized, forward-thinking, and passionate about helping everyone at the school succeed. The community is inspired by her leadership, and her compassion sets the tone for the whole school.

Keep inspiring others, Ms. Lewis!

This is Tammy Israelsen. She is the Office Manager at Freedom Prep Academy, for the Provo Elementary Campus.

Lynne Herring, the Executive Director writes, "Tammy is a very long time employee who has been instrumental in shaping our organization's systems such as lottery, policy, attendance and daily operations.

She is always a mentor, cheerleader, creative artist, advisor and all around coach in many areas of the school. She is positive, resourceful, dependable, generous and always there for any student, parent, teacher, and colleague. We call her the Jack of all trades and master of many!

The answer to almost any question is...go ask Tammy.

She is the glue that holds the ongoing and growing organization together."

Keep up the great work, Ms. Isrealsen!

This is Sara Welsh from Beehive Academy. She teaches 6th and 11th grade physics, as well as running the school’s gaming club.

Vickie Peterson, one of Beehive’s principals writes: “Mrs. Welsh started teaching at Beehive Academy August of 2021, she has created a welcoming and inviting learning environment for her students. Her classroom management skills are over the top. Students love to be in her class not only due to the environment but her delivery of instruction, which is intriguing and engaging. Students, staff, and parents feel really lucky to have her here at Beehive.” An email from the parent of one of Mrs. Welsh’s parents says the following: “My daughter was apprehensive about starting middle school. They weren't sure Mom & Dad had their best interest in mind sending them to a STEM school instead of going to school with their friends. Seven months later, they are interested and involved in their classes, especially Science. Ms. Welsh has been able to connect with LJ and ignited an interest in science that I was unaware of.” The parent continues: “LJ feels respected as an individual. As a parent, I appreciate the time and effort Ms. Welsh puts into her classes. She is interested in what she is teaching, and it makes all the difference.”