This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Salt Lake City School District has named Leigh VandenAkker as its 2012 Teacher of the Year and Lori Kopasz as its Special Education Teacher of the Year.
VandenAkker developed the curriculum for her East High class, Techniques for Tough Times. Paul Sagers, East High principal, credits VandenAkker and her class for helping reduce antisocial behaviors among students across the school, according to a district news release. VandenAkker has also been named a finalist for 2012 Utah Teacher of the Year.
Kopasz, a special education teacher at Highland High, was nominated for her award by Highland principal Paul Schulte, who said she's one of the most inspiring teachers with whom he's ever worked. Kopasz won the award because she encourages and inspires students with disabilities and unique educational needs to meet their personal goals, and she advocates for students with disabilities to participate in school and community activities.
A committee of Salt Lake Education Foundation members, district employees and community representatives chose both winners. VandenAkker received $2,000 from the Foundation and Kopasz got $1,000, thanks to an anonymous donor.
Lisa Schencker