Congratulations to Mountain Crest High School's Teacher of the Year: Sallie Petersen
Congratulations to Mountain Crest High School’s Teacher of the Year, Sallie Petersen. For over 20 years, Petersen has been working with students of all ages as a speech pathologist. Her welcoming, caring attitude has made her classroom a safe place that draws students in before and after school hours and during all hours of the day.
Petersen’s love for speech and students began when she too, was in high school. In 11th grade, Petersen was an aide for a speech pathologist. By the end of that experience, Petersen said, “I knew that I wanted to be a speech pathologist, for sure.” Speech pathology encompasses service, teaching, and creativity--which was everything Petersen was looking for in a career.
These three components are exactly what Petersen emulates and is known for. Teri Cutler, principal at Mountain Crest High School, said, “Sallie creates unique activities for each individual student depending on their special needs.” A great example of this was when Petersen created and laminated games specifically to meet the needs of one of her autistic students. Not only does she do this for individual students, but for many groups she oversees. Cutler continued, “Because she is a great role model, her Key Club students have valuable leadership skills.”
Petersen finds fulfillment in making a difference in her students’ lives. “I love the students,” she remarked. “I know that at the end of each day I have done at least one good thing for someone I have worked with.” She continued, “The students give so much back to me in return. I think that through my job I get to do something valuable every day for someone. That's pretty special.”
Thank you, Mrs. Petersen, for your desire to serve the students at Mountain Crest High School and for your extraordinary example of inclusion to the community.
Mrs. Petersen was honored at the April 19th board meeting.