Herriman Elementary fifth-grade Spanish dual language immersion teacher Daniel Valladolid Megia is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Sr. Megia was nominated for the award by the staff at Herriman Elementary for his ability to get the most out of his students and his collaborative nature with fellow teachers. 

Sr. Megia creates a positive, supportive classroom where his patience, optimism, and high expectations help students thrive in both science and Spanish language acquisition. His students consistently have among the highest scores in Jordan School District on both the RISE science test and the AAPPL language proficiency test. His classroom is an environment where students are held to a high standard, but are supported through mistakes to achieve great results. 

Congratulations Sr. Megia! Thank you for all you do for the students at Herriman Elementary School.

He is a music teacher who goes above and beyond to bring out the best in students each and every day. Now, Scott Knight is being recognized for his work, changing lives through music and performance.

Mr. Knight was nominated and selected to be the recipient of a Fox 13 “Dream Team” surprise. Fox 13 Meteorologist Nate Larsen showed up, along with Mountain America Credit Union, to let Mr. Knight know how much the community loves and supports his work with students, especially in after-school musicals which he has taken to a whole new level at Oakcrest. Those musicals help students discover talents they never even knew they had.

The ”Dream Team” gave Mr. Knight a director’s chair and other gifts to share with his family, along with a $1,500 donation to support his ongoing work in musical theater at Oakcrest Elementary School.

Congratulations, Scott Knight. Keep up the incredible work changing lives one musical note at a time.

Majestic Elementary Arts Academy music teacher Oliva Murphy is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Ms. Murphy was nominated for the award by the staff at Majestic for making her music classroom the heartbeat of Majestic’s K-3 grades.

Ms. Murphy transforms learning by integrating music and the arts to deepen academic understanding while fostering creativity, confidence, and collaboration. She engages students through original compositions, performance, and technology, making every child feel seen, capable, and inspired. Beyond her classroom, Olivia mentors colleagues, leads major school initiatives, and shapes a joyful, creative culture that touches the entire school community.

Congratulations Ms. Murphy! Thank you for all you do for the students at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy.

She is a problem-solver, a proven leader, fosters positive atmospheres, and is always looking for educational opportunities for students in Youth in Care (YIC). Please join us in congratulating Carolyn Robinson who was recently selected as the USBE’s YIC 2025-26 “Administrator of the Year” for Utah. Ms. Robinson is Jordan School District’s YIC Teacher Specialist and is fully responsible for the Check and Connect mentors, along with their ongoing training and support.

She was nominated for the award due to her tireless work revamping and elevating the YIC program in Jordan, making a true difference in the lives of students and their abilities to pass classes and complete recovery credits.

YIC provides specialized educational services and stability for students under 21 in foster care or state custody. It ensures legal access to education through tailored, intensive support, allowing students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally toward future success.

Congratulations, Carolyn Robinson. Keep up the amazing work making a difference in young lives.