Jenna Olson

Jenna Olson, a native of Cedar City, UT and veteran teacher, is set to serve as the next principal of Monticello Elementary School. Olson has degrees from Southern Utah University and has taught in Monticello for the past four years.

Her career began in the Washington County School District upon graduation from SUU. She moved with her family to Monticello four years ago and has been teaching at the elementary school ever since. She is thrilled with the opportunity to stay on as the principal.

Olson watched her parents – a principal and a computer teacher – influence the children in her community and wanted to make the same impact. She knew teaching was a valuable skill when she taught her younger siblings how to clean her room.

Olson’s philosophy of education is centered around the belief that learning is cyclical – that setting goals, persisting through difficulties, and seeing success at the end brings satisfaction.

She says, “The best part of learning is when the success comes and you can see the growth that you worked so hard to achieve. I still struggle sometimes when I learn something new, but the satisfaction comes from being persistent and seeing what hard work can help you achieve.

“I would love for parents to know that education is a team effort,” Olson continues. “Student, parents, teacher and principal work together to help students reach both their potential and educational goals.”