The Utah State Board of Education recently recognized three Davis School District educators for their outstanding commitment to the science of reading.
Adelaide Elementary School Principal Patty Arbon, Lincoln Elementary School Reading Coach MacKenzie Largent and District Elementary English Language Arts Supervisor Angela Morales were individually honored with the coveted Science of Reading Award, highlighting their contributions to educate students within the school district.
Arbon, Largent and Morales received the awards in the category of principal, reading coach and district leader respectively.
The nomination submitted for Arbon reads how she continues to dig deep to ensure both Tier 1 and intervention practices are strong and aligned.
“She has built a schoolwide system in which students receive intervention based on their level, prioritized training for herself in the Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words curriculum (SIPPS) and worked closely with interventionists to launch the program, form groups, and monitor their effectiveness.
“She also takes the time to observe and support Tier 1 instruction, working hard to understand what the Science of Reading should look like in every classroom,” her nominator wrote. “She attends all data meetings to help set meaningful Tier 1 goals and ensures classroom practices reflect evidence-based literacy instruction. She (has also) personally trained all teachers on using book bags so students receive another repetition of what they practiced in SIPPS, strengthening the connection between intervention and classroom instruction.”
The nomination submitted for Largent highlighted her transformational impact on literacy instruction during her time at Crestview Elementary and now at Lincoln Elementary, in which she guides teachers to deliver systematic, evidence-based instruction.
“She leverages assessment and feedback to target gaps, accelerate growth, and strengthen Tier 1 and intervention practices,” her nominator wrote. “Her commitment to professional learning through coaching cycles, job embedded professional development, and collaboration empowers educators and builds lasting capacity.
“Beyond instruction, Mackenzie fosters a supportive, collaborative school culture, creating systems that ensure all students thrive. Her leadership has directly improved student outcomes and elevated school-wide literacy practices, making her a true champion of the Science of Reading.”
Morales’ nominator outlined how she has been instrumental in driving systemic change, ensuring that all K–6 teachers completed Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training and embedding evidence-based literacy instruction across classrooms.
“She oversaw the adoption and implementation of a vetted curriculum that builds knowledge, ensuring consistency and rigor in instruction,” her nominator wrote. “Angie has expanded leadership capacity by bringing in coaching of our literacy coaches from Jim Knight and facilitating professional development for elementary administrators with Pati Montgomery, equipping them to lead as instructional literacy leaders.
“Her strategic focus on instruction, heavy coaching, intervention, assessment, and professional learning has strengthened teacher expertise, built sustainable systems, and fostered a supportive, collaborative culture across the district’s 63 (elementary) schools,” her nominator added. “Through her vision, dedication, and commitment to high-quality literacy practices, Angie has created a lasting impact on both teacher growth and student outcomes, exemplifying excellence in district-wide literacy leadership.”
