They are the quiet, but fiercely passionate force behind celebrating 68 Outstanding Educators in Jordan School District every year.
On this episode of the Supercast, meet the caring community volunteers who are part of the Jordan Education Foundation, making it possible to recognize and reward teachers who rise to the top. Teachers in every one of our schools, who are often brought to tears when total strangers show up to thank them for their tireless work in the classroom.
Audio Transcription [MUSIC]Jenna Miller:
Being a part of this Bus Day, going around to different schools and celebrating outstanding educators means a lot. You actually get to learn about what these outstanding educators are doing in their classroom, the impact they're having.
Laura Klarman:
We saw the mayors involved, they would come to their local schools. I love seeing again that community support is so important.
Anthony Godfrey:
Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. They are the quiet but fiercely passionate force behind celebrating 68 Outstanding Educators in Jordan School District every year. On this episode of the Supercast, meet the caring community volunteers who are part of the Jordan Education Foundation, the group that makes it possible to recognize and reward teachers who rise to the top. They reward teachers in every one of our schools, teachers who are often brought to tears when total strangers show up to thank them for their tireless work in the classroom.
Anthony Godfrey:
We are on the bus today celebrating Outstanding Educators with the Jordan Education Foundation. We're talking now with Jordan Education Foundation President Jenna Miller. Jenna, thanks for taking a few minutes with us.
Jenna Miller:
So glad to be here, so glad to be on the bus today.
Anthony Godfrey:
So for those who do not know what Bus Day is or even Outstanding Educator Awards, would you please describe what this program and what this day is all about?
Jenna Miller:
Yes, I would love to. So the Jordan Education Foundation, each year we have the opportunity to recognize outstanding educators in every school in our District. There's one day in particular where we join together and ride on the yellow school bus as a [Jordan Education] Foundation Board with a great driver. We have the chance to visit the top 12 or 14 teachers that were nominated for Outstanding Educator for the entire District.
Anthony Godfrey:
There's an award for an educator at every one of our 68 schools and for 14 of them, they receive $1,000 and an invitation to the banquet. It's just for every educator, this just means the world. All of them get a sign for their yard and a sign for the school so that everyone knows what an amazing educator they are, along with a lot of other really cool prizes. So the Foundation does an incredible job of putting together a really fun package for every teacher. You've done this for a long time. Talk to me about the impact of giving these awards.
Jenna Miller:
Well, it's always a pleasure to be able to go out and visit all 68 schools every year to see the things that they are doing, to recognize Outstanding Educators. As a Foundation, we have the chance to read nominations that principals and staff and students and parents and peers put together. So, we actually get to learn about what these Outstanding Educators are doing in their classroom, the impact they're having with their school and with students in terms of their testing and the impact that they're having each and every year through their nominations.
Anthony Godfrey:
We get to see the families come, families are invited to supporting their teachers, talk about that.
Jenna Miller:
Yes, this is the best. So all of these visits are kept as a surprise. But the principal reaches out to family members to let them know that this special award will be given and they coordinate with family to make it a large surprise. People fly in from out of state. There's family members, friends, sisters, cousins, as well as their peers in the school. It makes the party even better to have the people that you love there to celebrate you.
Anthony Godfrey:
It's really an amazing experience to be able to see a teacher honored in this way. And there's no way it can happen without the Foundation. So we really can't thank you enough for your leadership and for all the work that the Foundation Board members do and our sponsors do to make these awards possible.
Jenna Miller:
Yes, we are so grateful for our sponsors, for the community support that we receive from businesses and individuals that want to support Outstanding Educators in our District. And it does impact our schools and our District overall, and we're grateful for this opportunity.
Anthony Godfrey: :
It's a huge morale boost, not just for those getting the award, but it feels good to be in a District that has this community support and the Foundation really provides that in a way that I don't think anyone else in this state benefits from. So we're really thrilled to have you and to have the Foundation be so involved in who we are as a District.
Jenna Miller:
Well, thank you. Yes, we have four staff and 32 volunteer community members that give up their time, their talents, their treasure to all support educators and students in our District.
Anthony Godfrey:
Any moments or stories from this year in particular that stand out for you?
Jenna Miller:
Well, one of the things that we love, especially on Bus Day, is to get to recognize our Principal of the Year. And that's something we got to do today at Aspen Elementary School. Principal Susie Williams, who has had amazing impact on this school, but also the community that her school resides in. Susie does a great job and it was such a privilege and honor to recognize her as the Principal of the Year.
Anthony Godfrey:
Thanks for everything you're doing.
Jenna Miller:
Thank you.
Male Voice:
We are here to recognize Ms. Heckman as Copper Hills Outstanding Educator of the Year.
Female Voice:
It was really powerful enough to just go and do that for a lot of people, appreciate all the hard work you do. Sorry.
Male Voice:
So we are really fortunate to work with a great group of people. Look at all the people that are here to support you today. But we get nice donations from the community to help support our educators. They want us to let you know that you're loved and appreciated.
Anthony Godfrey:
We're talking now with Ryan Gregerson, the newest member of the Jordan Education Foundation Board. Introduce yourself and tell us what it's been like to jump in right before teacher awards like this.
Ryan Gregerson:
It was like the best timing ever. So I'm an attorney in town, have a law firm in South Jordan. I grew up in Jordan School District going to all the schools in Jordan School District and also the son of an educator. My dad was an elementary school teacher for 40 plus years. My mom was a lunch lady. My sister's a teacher. So education's super important to me, and it was just such an honor to be on the Board. And the best time ever to start being on the Board and get to see all these amazing educators getting these awards.
Anthony Godfrey:
Yeah, it's so fun and it means a lot to have members of the community come back and you have a ton of education connections. We have a connection as well. You were my student in middle school many years ago.
Ryan Gregerson:
Yes, indeed.
Anthony Godfrey:
And a very memorable one in all the right ways.
Ryan Gregerson:
Yeah, it was great. Honestly, we talk and I tell everybody this even when Dr. Godfrey's not here, but in eighth grade and ninth grade, he was the favorite teacher. Everybody loved being in his class. He was the cool teacher, had a band that he played in. Had him for English in eighth grade, French in ninth grade. Great memories of last year of being a middle school up in Copperton.Anthony Godfrey:
Yeah.
Ryan Gregerson:
That had ever existed and then we got to open up West Hills Middle School, which was also super fun.
Anthony Godfrey:
We shut it down together.
Ryan Gregerson:
We did, we did.
Anthony Godfrey:
Talk to me about how you have felt as you have seen and been a part of honoring these teachers at various schools.
Ryan Gregerson:
What's been really special for me is it's in part, I always kind of see it like it's also my dad. Because he sacrificed a lot to be a teacher and to raise our family and to do all the things that he did for his students. So seeing these same sacrifices be recognized by amazing teachers, inspiring kids, is just so personally special to me to see that recognition happening and to be inspired by them.
Anthony Godfrey:
Well, it means a lot to have you on the Foundation Board. We love that you're part of it. What would you say to those who are thinking about being involved either through a donation or by serving on the Board?
Ryan Gregerson:
I mean, there's so many things that are great about what the Foundation does. With the South Valley Chamber last year, we had the opportunity to do a fundraiser to be able to provide more for the pantry packs. It was something I didn't even know existed that through the school district and the Foundation, that students who don't have sometimes a meal over the weekend or over a holiday, that there's something that actually can be done to help give these meals to them. That there are actually students in this District who don't have meals and that there's a way to be able to provide those. So, donations to the Foundation, donations through the pantry pack or different coats and clothing just makes a difference for these wonderful students who need it. Because we do have needs even though maybe people don't remember that or don't realize it, there are. When we can help them meet those needs for these students, then they can focus on their education. They can focus on learning the things that they need to so that they can grow up and have things to be successful in life.
Anthony Godfrey:
I'm glad you mentioned that the celebrations and honoring teachers is a really important part of what the Foundation does. There are many other things the Foundation does as well, including making sure kids are fed so they can learn, and that they're fed overnight, that they're fed over the weekend, just taking great care of kids in every aspect of their lives. So, thank you for everything you do to help that.
Ryan Gregerson:
That's my pleasure.
Anthony Godfrey:
As you've been honoring teachers, there's a quote you've shared. Will you share that with everyone now?
Ryan Gregerson:
Yeah, absolutely. It's from Fred Rogers, otherwise known as Mr. Rogers. He said that, “Anyone who does something to help a child is a hero to me,” and that's really what I see these teachers are, is they really are true heroes to these children, to our community.
Anthony Godfrey:
Well, your dad is a hero to a lot of people, and I can't thank you enough for being part of this. I was so happy to see you sign up for the Foundation Board. We have a lot of good times ahead of us.
Ryan Gregerson:
No doubt about it, I appreciate you guys so much.
Ryan Gregerson:
All right, so Mr. Rogers said that, “Anybody that helps a child in this life is a hero to me.” And you are a true hero to these kids, and we appreciate you. A few things here, this is your official invitation to the banquet at the aquarium. There's that for you. This is the nomination. You need to read all the wonderful things that were written about you so you can share them. So that's for you as well. And then last and of course not least, all of our finalists received a $1,000 award.
Anthony Godfrey:
Stay with us when we come back. More from members of the Jordan Education Foundation.
Male Voice:
Never miss an episode of the Supercast by liking and subscribing on your favorite podcasting platform. Find transcripts for this episode and others at supercast.jordandistrict.org.
Female Voice:
They're out on the job in the rain, sleet, snow, ice, and in the sunshine. As Jordan School District students navigate their way to and from school every day, we are truly grateful for our city crossing guards, always vigilant and looking out for students to ensure everyone's safety. Because they work so hard protecting our kids, let's give those crossing guards a hand. If you're driving near or around schools, slow down, pay attention, watch for students and staff, and follow instructions from the school crossing guards, and know our cities are always looking to hire crossing guards. If you like kids and need some flexible hours, contact your local city and apply to be a crossing guard today. Together, let's make this a safe and successful school Year.
Male Voice: . . . as Herriman Elementary Outstanding Educator of the Year!
[Cheering]Anthony Godfrey:
We are in the gym of Aspen Elementary. We’ve just awarded Principal of the Year and Outstanding Educator for Aspen Elementary. We're talking with Laura Klarman, who is one of the Board members for Jordan Education Foundation. Introduce yourself, talk about your role and how it feels to be a part of these celebrations.
Laura Klarman:
You bet. So I am a marketing and communication manager at Riverton Hospital. I've been there 13 years.
Anthony Godfrey:
Wow.
Laura Klarman:
So lucky 13. One thing I love about healthcare and education is it touches every family in our area. I live in our community, I work in our community, and I serve in our community. So being a part of this Bus Day, going around to different schools and celebrating outstanding educators, means a lot to me. My mom was a school librarian, my sister teaches at high school, and we all remember those outstanding teachers in our lives that make a difference.
Anthony Godfrey:
It makes a huge impact when someone like you comes in. I mean, I'm paid to support teachers, but you choose to come here. You choose to be a part of this, donate your time. Riverton Hospital has been extremely generous through you. You've hosted our meetings, we've done tours. You've done so many things to help support us, and it means the world when it's someone from outside of our organization that is really emphasizing the impact on the community these teachers have.
Laura Klarman:
Yeah, in fact, we love our community. We want to help people live the healthiest lives possible, and part of that is a good education. We want to start people out strong. We love kids. We have Primary Children's services at our hospital. So we treat families. We see families, and we know that they're healthier and happier when they have a good school experience. And we love the teachers because they are a part of that experience.
Anthony Godfrey:
You even provided speakers for the podcast to help elevate the health of our community and our students, including a doctor that specializes in vaping and its negative impacts and helping prevent students from engaging in that. So, you've supported us in so many different ways, and it just shows the value of having the community as a partner, as we educate these students. And really, we have the same goals but different roles. But we're all working toward building this community and making it a great place to be and you and Riverton Hospital are a really important part of that. Tell me some of the stories you've heard as you've had the opportunity to go from school to school, and you see the families, and you hear from colleagues, and from the teachers. What are some of the stories that have really touched you?
Laura Klarman:
One of the teachers stuck out in my mind, she was retiring this year. So she has been a teacher for years. This was her last year. I was really touched by that because she was being recognized as she was leaving. So retirements are bittersweet.
Anthony Godfrey:
Yeah.
Laura Klarman:
It's a good ending to a good beginning. And so we see that all the time in healthcare and in education. We saw the mayors involved, they would come to their local schools. I love seeing, again, that community support is so important. And then all our Board members who are leaders in their own right.
Anthony Godfrey:
Yeah.
Laura Klarman:
They own businesses, they serve their community, they're elected officials. Or they've been teachers themselves, so they know how important this is. So it's been great community building to see everybody come together.
Anthony Godfrey:
And seeing the kids and their enthusiasm when their teacher's being honored. It's really fun to see how excited they are for their teacher.
Laura Klarman:
It was electric. When we went to Bluffdale Elementary, my kids went there. So it was really fun to go back. And it was electric as we walked in, and you feel like a superstar. And really the superstars are these teachers, right? And the principals and the kids, and so it was really touching.
Anthony Godfrey:
Well, thank you for making it possible. There's just no way we could do it without you, so.
Laura Klarman:
Thanks, I love being here. I love it.
Anthony Godfrey:
Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Supercast. Remember, “Education is the most important thing you will do today!” We'll see you out there.
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