Spanish Fork teacher is year’s first Jazz “Most Valuable Educator”

SPANISH FORK, Utah — The Utah Jazz named a Spanish Fork teacher the team’s first “MVE” or Most Valuable Educator, of the 2022-2023 school year. It’s an honor that came with a custom Jazz jersey and $1,000 classroom grant. 

Charla Andersen teaches 5th grade at Park Elementary in Spanish Fork. A 20-year veteran of the classroom, she said she absolutely loves her job. 

“I get up and I love what I do, and the kids run to give you a hug, and you know you’re making a difference,” she said. “It’s a gift to get to do this as long as I’ve been able to.” 

Congrats to Mrs. Charla Andersen “Most Valuable Educator!” 5th grade teacher from Park Elem. in Spanish Fork. @utahjazz @Instructure @KSL5TV honored her at tonight’s Jazz game. @DanSpindleKSL & I got to meet her & she definitely loves her job! Take a look https://t.co/Fkf3XQ99sq pic.twitter.com/xbatHpdZOk

— Tamara Vaifanua (@TamaraVaifanua) November 19, 2022

The Jazz Bear surprised Andersen’s class with a visit and her prizes. 

“For us to be able to help honor those teachers and provide them with an extra boost and some recognition is so exciting,” said Brian Watkins, spokesman for Instructure, which partners with the Jazz for the MVE program. 

Community members can nominate their favorite educator for this award on the Utah Jazz website. 

Andersen received her award in November. Since then, the Jazz and Instructure have named six more teachers MVEs. Each winner receives an invitation to attend an awards dinner at the season’s end and is also honored at a Jazz game. 

KSL runs its own teacher recognition program called KSL Teacher Tribute. To recognize a teacher, click here. 

Contributing: Becky Bruce