Spring 2025: Outstanding Student Awards in Secondary Education

Photos (from left to right): Adielle Christensen, Justin Johannessen and Lindsey Ivins

Each year, we choose several outstanding graduates in each of the programs! Here are the outstanding graduates for secondary education! 

Adielle Christensen: Mathematics Teaching

On the last day of 6th grade, my teacher asked her what wanted to be when I grew up. I told her that I wanted to teach junior high or high school math. For as long as I can remember, I loved the idea of teaching math. Throughout junior high and high school, I wanted to share my passion for learning with my family. I regularly used EXPO markers to draw mathematical and scientific concepts on the glass door of my childhood home. My family happily watched as I taught exciting concepts and used the glass door as my whiteboard. 

I began my studies at Weber State University in Fall 2021. Without thinking, I declared my major in Mathematics Teaching. When I started taking upper-division math courses, I always felt like my mind was blown. I learned something new every day and found a passion for learning and making mathematical connections, not just getting the A. I excelled mathematically and took a job at Weber State as the Calculus 2 Supplemental Instruction Leader. I facilitated several sessions every week open to all Calc 2 students. I challenged students, taught problem-solving skills, and prepared students for exams.

During Spring 2025, I had the pleasure of student teaching at Legacy Junior High School with an amazing mentor and math team. I discovered the importance of building relationships with students, collaborating with coworkers, communicating with parents, adjusting instruction, and engaging students. I implemented high-level thinking activities to promote problem-solving skills and active learning. I cheered on my students so they could see themselves as capable, mathematical thinkers. 

Most importantly, my student teaching experience solidified my desire to become a math teacher. I look forward to beginning my teaching career at Bountiful High School this upcoming fall. I am excited to learn and grow every single day. 

Justin Johannessen - Social Science Composite Teaching

Justin Lawrence Johannessen grew up in a small town in British Columbia, Canada and graduated from Alberni District Secondary School in 2003. After nearly two decades of trying to find the right career path with varying success, he eventually decided it was time to follow his passion and go back to school for Education. He, along with his wife and 3 children at the time, packed up their lives and immigrated to Utah where Weber State University was more than happy to welcome them with open arms. After 4 years, and an additional child later, Justin is graduating with his Social Science Composite teaching degree. He owes his success to his amazing wife and the many family members that have supported him along the way.

Lindsay Ivins - English Teaching

Teaching the art of English and communication has been a passion of mine all my life. I'm excited for the chance to help my students learn to communicate effectively. 

I am graduating this April with my Bachelor’s degree in English Teaching from Weber State University. This past semester, I have spent my time student-teaching Sophomores at Bountiful High School. I couldn’t be more thrilled to now be teaching at MPJH – my alma mater. 

I have a deep passion for words, their meaning, and the power they hold. As Albus Dumbledore says in Harry Potter, “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.” I believe words can be a superpower, and there is an art in learning how to wield that power. My number one goal is for our classroom to be a safe space for everyone to learn and grow. One of the best ways I feel students and I can maintain that is by using kind and respectful language. 

Fun facts about me
I love boating with my family during the summer and skiing with them in the winter. I also love to read, garden, hike, play tennis, cook, watch movies, and I’m a huge sucker for warm weather. 

It took me 20 years to get here…. I actually graduated high school exactly 20 years ago and couldn’t be more honored to finally graduate with my bachelor’s degree in 2025. It means the world to me. I have gone to school while raising 4 kids and it has been one of the hardest but also most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I love Weber State so much! It will always have a very special place in my heart.