About Homes 4 Educators

Education, to me, is the source of unlocking potential among individuals and getting a front-row seat as students realize they are capable of SO much more than they realize.  It goes beyond textbooks and classrooms, weaving into the fabric of daily experiences.  One of my favorite quotes is by Mark Van Doren, “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” Education is fueled by curiosity, and that’s how we learn in my classroom.  I get to be a gateway of learning as students collect, explore, create, practice, dream and learn introspection.  It is one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had in my life.  Watching a student surprise themselves, and then seeing the personal pride, ownership, and confidence continue in their learning… Well, it’s a wonderful thing to behold.  I get to be a cheerleader every day, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

-Mikayla

"Mallory is nothing short of a lifesaver. She waltzed into my professional world precisely when I needed a superhero colleague. You see, Mallory isn't just your average teacher; she's a true marvel. Her lesson planning skills? Legendary. Her knack for design? Unmatched. And her organizational prowess? Well, let's just say, she could give Marie Kondo a run for her money. 

Picture this: I'd often attempt to get ahead of the game, eager to lend her a helping hand, but Mallory had already conjured up lesson copies for the next month. It's like she had a crystal ball for educational preparedness!

But there's more to Mallory than meets the eye. She's a creative genius, always cooking up innovative ways to make learning an absolute blast. Remember that time she orchestrated a full-fledged wedding for Romeo and Juliet? Or the days when she expertly diagrammed Twilight Zone episodes for her students? Yep, that's our Mallory, always striving to turn the mundane into magic.

And here's the kicker—she's a perpetual learner herself, always pushing the boundaries of her teaching prowess. Mallory isn't just an amazing teacher; she's the kind of coworker who elevates the entire team and a friend who makes every day brighter. In short, she's the kind of educator you'd be lucky to have by your side in the world of education." 

-Jules Ence, Client

Gayle,

Thank you so much for all you have done for me these past 10 years. You

have really inspired me and helped me become a better teacher. Being in

the same corner of the pod as you has made my experience the best it

could be. I don’t know how I lucked out not only to be inside and not

banished to a portable but to also be in your pod. I’m especially grateful

to be where I am just so I can chat with you whenever I need to, especially

about all those NJHS problems and projects. It’s been quite the adventure

over the past few years working with all the amazing students together

and seeing them grow.

Thanks for being such a great example to all of us here at the Fort, not

just as a teacher but in your outside hobbies too. I love seeing all your

creations. They are some of the coolest things ever and, every time I see

them, I’m inspired to work on my own sewing and crafting projects. I also

still appreciate so much the work you were able to do on my wedding

dress to make it just perfect for me. You helped make my dream of wearing

my grandmother’s dress come true.

I know you have inspired so many more teachers than just myself. I believe

there are many of us that are glad you are our friend. Our school really

wouldn’t be the same without you and all you do here. You’re a huge part

of why things run the way they do and how we keep moving forward with a

focus on students. I know your students also love and appreciate you and

all you do to support them. I’ve seen how many have come back over the

years just to chat with you. You truly inspire all of us.

Thanks for all you’ve done. You deserve this. I hope you can use it to spoil

yourself.

Love, Stacy

Tyler sets a great example for his students, by teaching them to reach the right goals for their lives. After he graduated in Film from the University of Utah, he wandered for a bit, wondering what he really wanted to do with his life. After a few years he realized he wanted to teach - so he came back to Utah and started from the ground up to earn a new degree and work in schools at the same time with Volunteers of America. As his grandmother, I have loved watching him find his passion and his drive to do what he wants and what he needs in life. Tyler lived with us for two years while getting his new degrees and helped us a lot around the house and in our three person home. I really miss Calypso, his cat, too. Even now, he takes the time to help transport me to dialysis. I admire him as a teacher, as a human, and as a grandson.

-Mary Pier

Shanlee Herrin began teaching in 2015, starting out with a challenging, year-long internship position.  During her career, Shanlee has influenced many children whom she has taught. One child had selective mutism. Her mother contacted Shanlee before the school year began, and expressed her concerns. Shanlee arranged a park date with the student and her mom. Shanlee learned the student liked dogs, so she brought her own little chihuahua with her to the park. This child loved the dog, and her mom appreciated Shanlee considering what her child would enjoy. This was the beginning of a student being able to trust and connect with her teacher, resulting in a great year together.  Shanlee advocates for students, she sees beyond a temporary solution, and she expresses how a student could benefit better with a different option.  Early in her teaching career, Shanlee had a student who continued to have outbursts in the classroom and felt she needed some support in helping this student. Shanlee contacted the school psychologist, they created a plan, involved the parents, and began seeing positive changes for both the student and the parents.  Shanlee does things that may seem small to others, but are huge to her students; she has attended numerous extra-curricular events from dance recitals to soccer games to baptisms and birthday parties.  Shanlee attends training opportunities and implements new concepts in her classroom. She is an excellent educator and is well-deserving of this gift! Congratulations Miss Herrin

This will be Alexis Grove's eighth year as an elementary school teacher. She has spent the bulk of that time teaching Special Education and has been able to help her students achieve their utmost potential. She looks at each child as an individual and meets them where they are then helps them progress in whatever manner they will best be able to understand and achieve success. She believes that a true collaboration between home and school is ideal for all young children - so she keeps parents informed about their child's successes and struggles and works with them to keep their child moving forward in all areas of development.  The past few years, she has focused on our youngest scholars. She wants to ensure that they love coming to school so that they will become life long learners. She spends countless hours creating materials, preparing lessons, and collaborating with others so that her students get the very best from her. Like many of her peers, she spends her own money to purchase items for her classroom that she would not be able to get otherwise. For this reason, I would like to nominate Mrs. Grove for this $500. I am confident that she will be thoughtful and purposeful in her purchases and that those items will benefit many of her students for years to come. Thanks for all you do Alexis, and try not to spend all that money on your students!

Dean,

Thank you for being an incredible professor at UVU. I have never seen a teacher care as much for their students as you do. You pushed me harder than I’ve ever been pushed, which helped me become a better version of myself and prepared me for the diesel industry. When I look at students who went to other schools, I realize just how much better the education I received at UVU was. I have no regrets about going through this program, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants the highest level of education in diesel mechanics.

Thank you for doing what you do best,  

Alex

Caitlan is an extraordinary special education preschool teacher at Terra Linda Elementary School, and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition. I decided to go off script and nominate her myself because she truly embodies selflessness and dedication. 

Caitlan goes above and beyond in everything she does, and I’m so grateful to have had the privilege of knowing her. What stands out most to me about Caitlan is her willingness to embrace challenges, even when there’s a risk of failure. Her positive outlook on life is  inspiring. She’s helped me see things from new perspectives and was a source of strength and support during both of the transactions I worked on with her. 

On top of all that, she introduced me to my all-time favorite podcast, Tooth and Claw! So, in true Caitlan fashion, I thought it was only fitting to surprise her with this $500 as a small way to say thank you for the incredible impact she makes every day. Caitlan, you are so appreciated!