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Aug. 2023 WGU Community Partner Highlight

Aug. 2023 WGU Community Partner HighlightWestern Governors University doesn’t think educators should only be recognized during Teacher Appreciation Week. During the final weeks of last school year, WGU’s strategic partnerships managerMelissa Jensen demonstrated the online university’s lasting gratitude for the individuals shaping students’ lives in the Jordan School District.

Jensen visited the faculty and staff – including host and substitute teachers – at four Jordan schools and celebrated the many ways they are impacting student success.

Silvercrest Elementary - Keeping It Poppin' With A Popcorn Machine - The team at Silvercrest Elementary received a fantastic surprise in the form of a brand-new popcorn machine. As school resumes, the aroma of freshly popped corn will fill the air, adding to the atmosphere of excitement for the coming year. Silvercrest was selected to receive the gift as part of a special Teacher Appreciation giveaway sponsored by WGU.

Copper Hills High - Energizing Educators With An Expresso Machine - Recognizing the importance of caffeine-powered educators, Copper Hills High School received an incredible espresso machine. That gift allows the teachers and staff to brew up a perfect cup of coffee and remain energized for the upcoming school year. Like the popcorn popper at Silvercrest, the espresso machine was a prize in the WGU Teacher Appreciation giveaway.

Blackridge Elementary & Hayden Peak Elementary - Honoring Host Teachers - Even the best teachers need help from more seasoned staff members. That’s why Jensen gave a special shout out to the faculty hosting preservice educators during their demonstration teaching. At Hayden Peak Elementary,Kristen Jarmen received special recognition, as did Jennifer Lofgren at Blackridge Elementary. Both Kristen andJennifer received gift baskets from WGU for their work as host teachers and helping ensure the pipeline of well-trained educators remains strong across the school district.

Both Kristen and Jennifer received gift baskets from WGU for their work as host teachers and helping ensure the pipeline of well-trained educators remains strong across the school district.

Celebrating Substitute Teachers - Acknowledging the importance of substitute teachers, four gift baskets were specially prepared and awarded to substitute teachers within the Jordan School District.Substitute teachers play a crucial role in maintaining continuity when regular teachers are absent, and their dedication deserves recognition.

Jensen thoughtfully curated the gift baskets as tokens of appreciation from WGU, honoring the vital role substitutes play within the educational ecosystem.