Alexander King, Mountain Ridge High School (Jordan School District)

“Alexander King is the kind of educator who teaches students how to think critically, hone and reflect on their skills, and grow both as artists and humans. The phenomenal theater program at Mountain Ridge High School is proof of what that looks like in practice. We live right next to another high school, but my son has insisted upon commuting to Mountain Ridge for his three years of high school because of the outstanding theater program run by Mr. King and his fellow theater teachers.

Mr. King possesses a rare and genuine mastery of his craft. He understands the nuances of acting at a level that commands real respect, even from the most discerning students. My son has (often frustratingly) high standards and is not easily impressed, yet he genuinely seeks out Mr. King’s perspective and trusts his feedback. That kind of credibility is earned day after day, through demonstrated expertise and authentic engagement.

What sets Mr. King apart from other talented teachers is his character and his unrelenting high standards. He creates an environment where students have real agency in the creative process, and it shows in the quality of the productions he puts on because students truly own their parts in the production. These kids are problem-solving and learning to collaborate in ways that will serve them their whole lives. Mr. King doesn’t bail them out or solve things for kids, trusting them to figure it out and likely feeling pushback for that. When these kids genuinely shine, they can own that success.

I would encourage anyone on this selection committee to attend one of Mr. King’s shows. The quality speaks for itself, and it will tell you everything you need to know about why this man deserves recognition. At a smaller show, he will very likely take the time to walk up to each audience member and introduce himself before the show.

Maybe most importantly in a role with hormonal teens, Mr. King handles the inevitable conflicts of adolescence with exceptional grace. My son (who is, I’m certain, the only over dramatic teenager in the history of theater🤣) had a scheduling conflict last spring that put them at odds. Mr. King held him accountable, as he should have, but he also genuinely listened. There were no grudges, no lingering friction and my son maintained this place in the musical theater class he cherishes taking part in at school. That combination of firmness and fairness is something many adults struggle to model, and Mr. King makes it look natural.

As a final note, Mr. King’s warmth extends beyond the stage. At a recent sold-out production, rather than turning families away, he was running around the building finding extra seating to make sure as many people as possible could share in their students’ moment. That is not in anyone’s job description and was proof of how he goes above and beyond in all that he does as an educator.

Our community is fortunate to have Alexander King and I know every family lucky enough to have a student in his classes would agree. Please give his nomination every consideration- there is no one more deserving of those Hale Season tickets and I’m sure he would cherish them more than the average person might!”

-Allison Villastrigo

About Teacher Features on KSL NewsRadio

Teachers are the backbone of our community, and at KSL NewsRadio, we want to highlight the hard work they put in to help their students. 

Do you know a teacher that goes above and beyond? Nominate them today by letting us know how incredible they are, attach their photo, and they’ll have the chance to win a huge prize totaling over $1,000!  

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