Joylene Ritchie, Snowville Elementary

“It is with great admiration and gratitude that I nominate Mrs. Joylene Ritchie for the KSL Teacher Tribute. Mrs. Ritchie has dedicated her life to education, touching countless lives and shaping the future through her passion for teaching. Throughout her career, she has taught in multiple schools, taking on various roles, always with the goal of helping students succeed. Most recently, she has been a cornerstone of Snowville Elementary, teaching Kindergarten through 2nd grade.More than just a teacher, Mrs. Ritchie has been a literacy coach, a head teacher balancing both instruction and administrative duties, a PLC team lead, a mentor, and a dedicated member of the community council. She has always understood that a strong foundation in reading is essential for student success, and she works tirelessly to ensure that every child receives the support they need. Her classroom is a place where students not only learn but also discover their own leadership abilities and strengths.
Her resilience and commitment to education are unmatched. A few years ago, while walking her dog, she tripped and broke her jaw, requiring it to be wired shut. Yet, despite the pain and challenges, she showed up for her students. In that moment, she was teaching more than just academics—she was teaching perseverance, dedication, and the power of showing up.
Mrs. Ritchie is also an avid reader and lifelong learner, always searching for ways to improve and bring new ideas into her classroom. Her dedication to helping others in education, from mentoring new teachers to collaborating with colleagues, has made an immeasurable impact on her school and community.
As she prepares to retire, the world of education is losing one of its best. Her influence, however, will remain in the lives of the students she has taught, the teachers she has mentored, and the countless individuals she has inspired. Snowville Elementary, and all the schools she has served, are better because of her.
Thank you, Mrs. Ritchie, for your years of dedication, love, and passion for teaching. You have truly made a difference!”

-Melissa Morris

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.