Lesa Lenz, Windridge Elementary

Sep 29, 2025, 5:44 PM | Updated: Oct 23, 2025, 2:07 pm

...

“Parents praising Mrs. Lenz for her hard work as a first grade teacher with large class sizes and no help. She never complains. She just loves these kids so much and wants nothing but the best for them. She deserves recognition for all she does. And some help too! Read this:
Principal Reid,

My son is in 1st grade with Mrs. Lenz and is having a great year. (My other kids have had her in the past and loved her as well). I have been very concerned about my son’s class sizes especially since I travel the district and most other K-3 classes are half the size of ours and I know how much individual attention means for growth at this age. Last year I volunteered in the kindergarten class alot and saw the chaos that 28 5-year-olds can cause. I spent about half of my teaching time just trying to get the children to calm, sit and listen to the instructions. I was expecting more of the same when I went into Mrs. Lenz class on the third week of school to volunteer. To my surprise, she had taught them systems for coming in from recess, sitting at their seats, listening quietly, songs to go to the rug and I was so impressed. She has done amazing with these kids. I still think that funds should be allocated to decrease their class size during these critical years but in the meantime, Mrs. Lenz deserves mad props for doing as well as she has under these circumstances. Thank you Mrs. Lenz!!”

-Thomas Lenz

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.

We want to hear from you.

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

Emily Ashmead

Angela Burke, Sand Springs Elementary

“Mrs. Burke is an exceptional fourth-grade teacher who truly makes a difference in the lives of her students. She creates a classroom where every child feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged to do their very best. Her kindness, patience, and dedication shine through in everything she does. She goes above and beyond to help her students […]

7 days ago

...

Emily Ashmead

Julie Frank, Home/OpenEd

“I am nominating my incredible mom, Julie! She homeschools me along with my two other siblings. She is the best teacher who sacrifices so much for us. She also works at OpenEd, where she helps lots of other students and their families. She makes sure they are taken care of and learning too. My mom […]

7 days ago

...

Emily Ashmead

Crislen Osborn, Bridge elementary

“She is an amazing teacher and cares a lot about the development and futures of the children she teaches. Always shows up with a smile and a good energy.” -Braydon Bare “She is an amazing teacher. She makes each kid feel special and she is a safe space! She is very creative on how she […]

8 days ago

...

Emily Ashmead

Valene Stone, Silver Crest Elementary

“As a 4th grade school teacher, she has spent countless weeks pouring her heart into her students, creating a safe place for them to learn, grow, and believe in themselves. Teaching has never just been a job for her. It has been a calling. She has given so much of her time, energy, patience, and […]

9 days ago

...

Emily Ashmead

Valerie Beagley, Miss Vals preschool

“Miss Val is the most loving lady that I know. She has the kindest heart the biggest heart. She always has her students best interests in mind. She never forgets that her students come first. She teaches them the basics in way that each student understands each concept. She teaches them to sing and they […]

10 days ago

...

Emily Ashmead

Julie Roberts, Snow Springs Elementary

“She always goes the extra mile to make sure that her students around taken care of.” -Karen Idom 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 […]

10 days ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bear Lake

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway.   There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hopping in the car with your favorite snacks in tow and heading out for a […]

...

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression.    Utah’s mental health crisis is leaving many residents caught in an uncomfortable middle ground: struggling too much for weekly therapy alone, but unable to step away from work, parenting or daily life for inpatient treatment. As demand […]

...

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression.    The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, managing side effects and wondering if this is simply how life is going to feel.   According to the World Health Organization, depression affects […]

mental health...

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

...

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

Lesa Lenz, Windridge Elementary