Cyndi Loza

A first-year teacher at Bennett Elementary School, Misty Larsen describes herself as tough but fair.

“I strive for a well-balanced curriculum, not just math and reading but science and social studies as well,” Larsen said.

Larsen said she expects her students to work together and ask for help instead of tattling or quitting.

“I like being part of the solution, not part of the problem,” Larsen said.

She also is a proponent of rewarding organization and hard work. She said “the cubby fairy” gives small prizes to students who keep their cubby holes well-organized.

Also, students are regularly divided into teams where they can earn points as a group for additional incentives.

At a glance

• Name: Misty Larsen
• Age: 24
• Title: Sixth-grade teacher at Esther Bennett Elementary School, 5900 Sidehill Drive, Sun Valley
• Resides: Sun Valley
• Birthplace: Murray, Utah
• Experience: Dual certified in elementary and special education; bachelor’s in education from the University of Nevada, Reno
• Goals/Mission: “To prepare students for the future and, being a sixth-grade teacher, to prepare them for middle school.”
• Fun Fact: Larsen has two cats, Annabelle and Emmie Lou.