This is Mrs. Jolley‘s third year teaching at Dixie intermediate. She’s a transplant from northern Utah and absolutely loves the warmer winters here in St. George.  

Ms. Leyva has had a passion and drive for education since her time living in northern Utah. She knew in high school she wanted to teach. Pursuing this passion she went to Utah Tech University to get a Bachelors of Science in Theatre Education. She is the first in her family to attend and graduate college with a bachelor's degree. 

Over the past four years Ms. Leyva dove into her school work and being a part of the theatre world gaining experience in acting, designing and management. Her goal was to learn an array of skills so she could be prepared to pass the passion of theatre down to her students. In this time her love for teaching only grew. 

During two summers Ms. Leyva lived in Bethesda Maryland, about 30 minutes outside of Washington D.C., working on the Walter Reed Medical Base at their Child Development Center. Here she worked with ages six weeks old to six years old. This experience was an amazing opportunity in many ways. She was able to travel the farthest she had ever been as well as learn about working with young children. 

At the start of her final year in college Ms. Leyva would have told you her dream was to work in a high school. Then after completing her student teaching experience with an intermediate school she realized this age group is where her passions lie. She is excited to lay the foundations for students and help them build so many skills to help them throughout-life even if they do not continue with theatre.

With over 20 years in education, Jennifer Wallace has worn many hats—teacher, secretary, librarian, and occasional sub. Education runs in her blood: both of her grandmothers were teachers, her brother is a college professor, and her husband teaches 7th grade science. The two have even taught at the same school a few times—proof that working with your spouse can be fun.

Jennifer began her teaching career in Las Vegas, NV, where she quickly found her groove in 5th grade.  After a short break to be home with her kids, she jumped back into the classroom as soon as her youngest started 1st grade, teaching 5th and 6th grade Core (reading, writing, and social studies) in Joplin, MO and LOVED it!

Later, teaching 7th grade reading felt like a dream job, and it confirmed her passion for helping students catch the reading bug. After moving to St. George, she taught 7th grade ELA but missed the pure joy of focusing just on reading—so she earned her library endorsement and became a librarian five years ago. Now, she gets to spend her days matching students with books they didn’t know they’d love, and considers it the best job in the world.

When Jennifer’s not reading books, you can find her puzzling, playing board games, traveling, enjoying the outdoors, or trying to teach herself guitar and the organ. She and her husband have four children, two kids-in-law, and three amazing grandchildren. 

• High School Diploma from Ed. W Clark High School, Las Vegas, NV
• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from UNLV
• Master of Science in Reading from Pittsburg State University
• Secondary Reading Endorsement from SUU
• Library Endorsement from SUU

https://tislmc.weebly.com/

Mr. Wilson was born in Cedar City, Utah but grew up in St. George Utah.  He begins his 25th year teaching in the 2025/2026 school year and has been at Dixie Intermediate ever since it opened in 2007.

Teaching runs in Mr. Wilson's genes, as his father was also an educator in Washington County for 32 years.  Mr. Wilson received a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a Minor in Health Education from Southern Utah University in 2001. After teaching for several years he went back to school and completed his Masters Degree in Sports Conditioning and Performance from SUU in 2012. In addition to his teaching degree, Mr. Wilson has completed an ESL Endorsement, as well as a Technology Endorsement.

Mr. Wilson loves all things sports with basketball being his favorite.  He's a big fan of BYU football/basketball and the Utah Jazz. He also loves nature, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and has a passion for wildlife and scenic photography.  To see his work, check out www.instagram.com/muleymadness

• Bachelor's in Physical Education from Southern Utah University
• Minor in Health Education from Southern Utah University
• Masters Degree in Sports Conditioning and Performance from Southern Utah University

https://sites.google.com/washk12.org/physicaleducation/