Science 7
Reed James | Teacher
My Email: reed.james@washk12.orgMr. James has had a passion for science since he can remember. He always knew he would go into the sciences. Thanks to some great college professors and divine direction he has landed at Lava Ridge Intermediate School. He is grateful to have the best Science Team ever assembled! Seriously, the James, Lund, Wallace team works synchronously as one. I enjoy all things outdoors: camping, hiking, hunting, etc.. Our family loves to boat and travel whenever possible. My favorite soda is Mountain Dew (ZERO) especially Major Melon. Cafe Rio is so cliche but also so good!
- Bachelor's in Biology Education - Utah Valley University (UVU)
- Master's in Educational Administration - Lamar University
Alison Lund | Teacher
My Email: alison.lund@washk12.orgMrs. Lund loves to say she was raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and is a transplant to Southern Utah. However, as she begins her tenth year at Lava Ridge, she feels a bit too local to pull off that statement. Despite feeling uncomfortably hot in the summer, Mrs. Lund finds solace in the nine months of mild, gorgeous weather, reminiscent of Alaska's spring and summer temperatures, which has cemented her desire to never move back.
Teaching runs in Mrs. Lund's genes, as both her parents were educators. She can't recall a time when she did not want to be a teacher. Mrs. Lund received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the last century. After taking a few years off to stay home with her three sons, she returned to the profession when her youngest was in kindergarten. In addition to her teaching degree, Mrs. Lund has completed a Gifted and Talented Endorsement, an Earth Science Endorsement, and a Middle Level Science Endorsement.
Sadly, Mrs. Lund and her husband only have one child left at home, a junior, who "loves" all the attention heaped on him and especially enjoys watching any and all Jane Austen adaptations with his mother (his middle name is Darcy). Their other two boys graduated from Snow Canyon. One pursued culinary school and occasionally comes by to cook his parents a fabulous dinner, while the other is playing professional soccer in Romania.
- Bachelor's of Education from University of Alaska Fairbanks
Michael Wallace | Teacher
My Email: michael.wallace@washk12.orgMr. Wallace inherited his love for science from his father, who, despite struggling with reading, possessed a keen and curious mind that led him to become certified as an electronic technician. Following a stint repairing TVs, his father worked at the Nuclear Test Site in Nevada.
After returning from a two-year church mission in France, Mr. Wallace married his high school sweetheart. Initially drawn to studying Chemistry with aspirations for medical school, his career path took a turn when his wife pursued and obtained a degree in Education, igniting his passion for teaching.
His teaching journey began at Brinley Middle School in Las Vegas, a low-income, high-minority school where education often took a backseat to challenges like gangs, drugs, and homelessness. Despite the obstacles, Mr. Wallace found success, with over 55% of his 8th-grade students passing the state science test despite only 25% reading above a 4th-grade level.
In 2005, Mr. Wallace and his family moved to Joplin, Missouri, where he continued to teach 8th-grade science at South Middle School. There, he confronted the apathy stemming from generational poverty, yet his students achieved the highest test scores in the school district.
Since 2014, Mr. Wallace has been a part of the Lava Ridge Intermediate community, where the school consistently ranks at the top in the state for student growth among schools with similar demographics. He and his colleagues strive to engage, motivate, and inspire their students year after year.
- High School Diploma from Ed. W Clark High School, Las Vegas, NV
- Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from UNLV
- Teaching Certification from UNLV
- Master of Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University