Along with the new policies, new school, and new principal, Skyline is packed with new teachers. From English to Health, Theater to American Sign Language (ASL), these spotlighted teachers shared one thing they want their students to hear, or what they love about teaching.
The new Health and Community of Caring teacher, Tori Bergstrom, has a passion for volunteering and helping others. She’s been a project and financial Vice President (VP) for the Junior League of Salt Lake City, as well as a treasurer on various Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs). Bergstrom said, “I am super excited about this position because I have spent the last 20 years of my life involved in the nonprofit world. I have mentored three humanitarian trips with Youthlinc and team lead another one (Peru, Nepal and Jamaica). As a kidney donor I have volunteered with various organ donation organizations. Super excited to be at Skyline.”
Krysta Hansen also shares her excitement to be at Skyline as she joins the community of language teachers. Her hopes for a great year could not be higher. Hansen says, “I’ve taught a lot of different ages and subjects, but ASL is by far my favorite. I love that I get to learn so much about my students as they learn to converse in ASL.”
ASL isn’t the only language getting a new teacher. Alexandra Villalobos, who shares the same hope as Hansen, is delighted to be teaching French. She said, “I love teaching French and really try to focus on the students themselves in my classes, using their experiences and preferences as the backdrop for learning French.” She shares her love of language learning and the stories that can be discovered; Villalobos describes how students often forget themselves when they tell stories.
English teacher Michael Olson also states the importance of stories in learning, saying, “I love working with high school students and helping you all think more deeply about the stories that make up our lives. I also love helping you express yourselves through writing more clearly. The way we write affects the way others view us, and you all deserve to be seen for the incredible people you are.” Olson taught at Skyline from 2020-2023, with a short break working as an elementary school assistant principal in Davis School District.
The last teacher, Robert Davis, in both English and athletics, invokes mystery among the teachers when he asks, “Who’s the only one here who knows secret ninja moves from the government?”
(New teachers not spotlighted: Kristin Breding (dance), Lisa Brown (English), Krystal DeJesus (Theater), Marie Dustin, Marcus Mailei (football coach), and JP Hynes (swim coach).)
