Danielle Peterson, Viewmont High School

“At Viewmont high school, Mrs. Peterson teaches yoga, CE dance, social dance, and oversees our dance company. I have had the privilege of being under her direction on the dance company for the last three years. From Mrs. Peterson, I have learned invaluable dance, life, and educational lessons that will aid me for the rest of my life.

The most important lesson I have learned from Mrs. Peterson can be summarized in one word. Respect. Beginning my first day of dancing with Mrs. Peterson, she expected, exemplified, and executed respect. We were taught the importance of respecting one another, respecting our teachers, respecting our art form, and respecting ourselves. The dancers at Viewmont understand how important an environment is in cultivating learning. It’s as simple as this, when we feel comfortable and safe with one another, we perform, express, and share our abilities and thoughts at a greater level that is more beneficial to our growth. I am so grateful for this incredible teacher who has taught me how to work with people I love and how to work with people who are frustrating.

Another quality I admire in Mrs. Peterson is that she leads by example. She is not only qualified for her position, but expands and magnifies it in every aspect imaginable. She knows what she is doing, and she helps us become the best versions of ourselves. She does not simply explain what to do, she explains the how and most importantly, the why in what we do. She is a teacher who teaches us how to think, not what to think. While putting on shows and dealing with a team, problems often arise. Rather than telling us what to do or fixing the issue herself, Mrs. Peterson supports us while we struggle, brainstorm, and ultimately creatively work through our challenges. I have learned how to be part of a team, and how to work through the hard times in my life.

On an even deeper level, Mrs. Peterson has been my greatest advocate at the school. The vocal, and unspoken battles she fights for her students daily are the very definition of her love for us. Dance is a subjective, vulnerable, and personal art form. It is so easy to lose yourself and lose your love for moving under the wrong care. But time and time again, dancing with Mrs. Peterson has made me comfortable in my own skin. She helps me see what I am doing right, and helps me appreciate a more artistic approach and view than I ever would have on my own.
I have had numerous anxieties, mental blocks, and fears that have previously made me unsure of my abilities as a dancer. Mrs. Peterson’s response to me, and all students alike, is always the same. “You can do it.” She lovingly remind students they are capable and they can push through. She reminds me to be patient and kind to myself, while slowly pushing me to make more of myself than I could alone.

No one in the world is more deserving of this award than Mrs. Peterson. She has, and will continue, to touch countless lives. She fights for dance and education, and continues to better herself, her dancers, and her program. Thank you, Mrs. Peterson.”

-Grace Johnston

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!  

Teacher Feature prizes are generously sponsored by the folks at Cyprus Credit Union, who are dedicated to honoring Utah teachers and uplifting the incredible ways that educators go above and beyond every day.

See past nominations of teachers across the state, and read the official sweepstakes rules here