Riverton and Bluffdale area schools have an abundance of inspiring educators who go above and beyond for their students, school and community. Here are some who have received special recognition for inspiring, nurturing and creatively educating their students.

Bluffdale Elementary School teacher Donna Birrell was awarded the Resilient YOU 2025 Utah Education Tribute Award for Outstanding Elementary Teacher.

Butterfield Canyon Elementary School, RaNisha Glover, Utah PTA Outstanding Elementary Educator award

Foothills Elementary School, Chinese DLI teacher Liangli Tao, Jordan School District Dual Language Immersion Teacher of the Year

Itineris Early College High School, Robert Machol, Innovative Teacher Award from the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology

Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle School teacher Krista Gibbons received an Innovative Teacher Award from the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology

Riverton High School counselor Chris Christensen received a 2025 JSD Jordy Award for Outstanding School Counselors

South Valley School, Chelsea Lopez, 2025 Utah Council for Exceptional Children Outstanding Paraeducator Award

Spectrum Academy, Andrew Delcamp, UCET Innovative Teacher

Jordan Education Foundation chose one Outstanding Educator of the Year from each of the 68 Jordan District schools. Riverton/Bluffdale area school winners are listed below. (*indicates top winners)

Bluffdale Elementary School, Lisa Nielsen

Butterfield Canyon Elementary School, Shelly Rogers

Foothills Elementary School, Erika Winegar

Jordan Academy for Technology & Careers, Lisa Wadzeck

Kauri Sue Hamilton, Candice “Candi” Woolley*

Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle School, Kymberly “Kym” Harrison

Kings Peak Virtual High School, Sharman Holloway

Midas Creek Elementary School, Robyn Derbidge*

Mountain Point Elementary School, Lisa Belliston

Oquirrh Hills Middle School, Jon Price

Riverton Elementary School, Gina Nokes

Riverton High School, Amy Goodrich*

Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary School, Emily Baugh

Rosamond Elementary School, Susan Warnock

Rose Creek Elementary School, Marie Pestana

South Hills Middle School, Alesha Schulzke

South Valley School, Emily LaRue*

Southland Elementary School, Ashley Richens

Candice “Candi” Woolley, Kauri Sue Hamilton “Candi is a creative and forward-thinking educator consistently seeking out innovative ideas and teaching methods to enhance her students’ learning experiences. She prioritizes student needs, ensuring they remain at the forefront of her educational approach. Candi’s work highlights the importance of personalized, empathetic and adaptive approach to education, particularly in the special education setting. Her dedication to meeting each student’s needs inspires and motivates not only her students but also her colleagues. A teacher isn’t what Candi is, it’s who she is.” - Principal Courtney Titus

Robyn Derbidge, Midas Creek Elementary School “Her emphasis on mental health and well-being has contributed to a more balanced and harmonious workplace, where everyone feels motivated and appreciated. As a result, staff morale has significantly improved, and the sense of camaraderie is palpable. She brightens the atmosphere and helps everyone appreciate the joy that education brings. I haven’t gone a single day without hearing her laughter echoing through the halls.”- Principal Megan Cox

Kelly DeHaan, Jordan School District 2025 Teacher of the Year “Kelly DeHaan has a brilliant mind and focuses on each of his students. He loves his job and the music he puts in front of the students. He works with each individual and cares so dearly about what’s happening in our personal and academic lives. DeHaan really makes each of his students special in different ways. He notices little things as well as big things. He is a very dedicated man and I adore that about him. He really does love each of his students and their efforts.”- a studentλ