Wendy Hawkins – Primary Children’s Middle School

Apr 24, 2013, 5:24 PM | Updated: Jan 15, 2021, 6:13 am

Wendy is a teacher at Primary Children’s Middle School and one that deserves to be recognized for her outstanding abilities and for going above and beyond as a role of teacher in her students lives. Wendy is not your average teacher with your average classroom. She is the teacher of patients that are in the Wasatch Canyons Residential Treatment and Day Treatment Programs. These children present challenges that the typical teacher would not encounter in your every day classroom. These children are dealing with a variety of concerns in their lives and they are coming to the center to overcome and cope with these difficult challenges. These are special children that need extra support and attention. And Wendy manages to support these children above and beyond the role of a school teacher. Wendy is the perfect example of a teacher that not only instructs academics but gives these children a vision of who they are and what they can become.

I was able to get to know Wendy when my own daughter became a member of her classroom. She loves the children she teaches and she cares about each one. She organizes the work of each child into a binder so the children can have a reference of what they learned while in her class. Wendy also spends time outside the classroom to make sure these children get the support they need. My daughter told me that she often would eat lunch with the kids and spend time getting to know them. She would spend extra time with children, talking to them about their struggles and try to help them cope so that they could concentrate and succeed in their education. She quickly becomes an advocate and then takes that passion and tries to help these children recognize their abilities and strengths they have.

What most amazed me about Wendy is the time she takes after these children have advanced from the treatment center to make sure these children have a chance to succeed in their normal schools. Wendy takes time to help parents to advocate on behalf of their children. She attends meetings with school officials and special education administrators to make sure that each child has the supports in school that they need to succeed. She helps to inform parents about the IEP process that many of the children have already established in the school system. She is passionate about making sure the children are in a place where than can have a successful life. She takes this passion and tries to ignite a fire within her students and their parents. Wendy helped me to see more clearly my role in my daughters’ success. And because of Wendy, I am now able to help pass my knowledge on and give support to other parents in the public school system that may be going through similar challenges. She is truly an amazing person and an example of what difference a dedicated and supportive teacher can make on the lives of her students.

-Naomi Long

We want to hear from you.

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

Today’s Top Stories

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Wendy Hawkins – Primary Children’s Middle School