EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

Mark Landeen, South Jordan Middle School

Jun 4, 2019, 11:18 AM | Updated: 2:32 pm

The following was submitted by JR Landeen.

“I know it may seem weird that I am nominating my own father but I truly believe he is deserving of this award. I was never his student in the classroom or even attended his school but I know what kind of teacher he is. I remember growing up no matter where we went, from lagoon to Disneyland, I would randomly hear “Mr. Landeen!” enthusiastically yelled. How many teachers have students that are excited to see them during summer vacation? It even happened recently during a bowling trip. As we walked in the person in front of us looked up with an excited expression at the sight of his middle school science teacher. He even left his family later that night to say hi to my father again.

In high school I had the opportunity to meet many of my father’s former students. As the child of a teacher I was worried about the negative affects it may have on my social life but every one of his former students befriended me and enthusiastically told me about the experiences they had in my father’s class. There is not a lot I remember about my 8th or 9th grade science class but these classmates of mine would tell me in detail about some of the experiments and experiences that they had in that middle school science lab.

Since graduating I have had the opportunity to volunteer in my father’s classroom. Once a year the students in his class learn about sound waves and the electromagnetic spectrum. At the end of this subject they get to see what is commonly known as the flame pipe. This is one of those experiences that all of his students remember. This “flame pipe” shows the sound waves through the use of music and fire. I have had the opportunity to help out during this demonstration and to see how entranced the students become is exciting. In a world that is constantly becoming more STEM oriented, demonstrations that can attract student interest to such topics are becoming more and more critical.

Last but not least the best part and most important part of my father’s teaching has been in the home. Growing up he would go to school and teach for 7-8 hours each day and then come home and still have the energy to help us with our homework. He would explain topics in ways that made it so easy for us to understand. He was always patient and understanding. He always wanted us to be our best self and would push us to do our best. He is an example of what a teacher should be. He cares about his students and wants them to succeed. I am nominating him for this award because I want to show my appreciation for all he has done and I’m sure thousands of other parents and students would confirm all I have said. He is in his last 2 years as a teacher before he retires. He has worked so hard to improve the future leaders and entrepreneurs. Let’s give him this teacher feature to show how much he is appreciated.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Education + Schools

BYU regularly has honored the "no Sunday" play rule in each tournament it's played in, but it's bei...

Mitch Harper

NCAA committee dropped BYU down to no. 6 seed because of ‘no Sunday’ rule

BYU basketball was the highest-rated 5-seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, yet they ended up with a 6-seed because the "no Sunday" rule.

15 hours ago

Manager Stephen Jarrett places pies on a counter at Michele's Pies, Wednesday, March 13, 2024,...

CURT ANDERSON Associated Press

What’s Pi Day all about? Math, science, pies and more

Math enthusiasts around the world, from college kids to rocket scientists, celebrate Pi Day on Thursday, which is March 14.

4 days ago

utah education foundation...

Jessica Lowell

Utah Education Association opposes changes to education funding

The proposed ballot measure would change the way Utah funds education. Right now all of the funds from income tax go to education.

4 days ago

Thousands of students take part in the SheTech Explorer Day at the a Mountain America Exposition Ce...

Emma Keddington

High school students gather for SheTech Explorer Day

SheTech Explorer Day brought thousands of high school girls from all around Utah to Mountain America Expo Center.

4 days ago

Brigham Young Cougars center Aly Khalifa (50) celebrates a 3-pointer during the Big 12 conference t...

KSL Sports

‘This Is My Moment:’ Aly Khalifa lifts BYU while fasting at Big 12 Tournament

BYU center Aly Khalifa played through a Big 12 Tournament game during Ramadan.

5 days ago

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Follow @amandadickson...

Amanda Dickson

Dickson: I’m committed to not texting my kids while they’re in school

Amanda Dickson says she's totally guilty of texting her kids while they're in school. She's committed to stoping it.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Mark Landeen, South Jordan Middle School