Mr. Buttars started his career at the Willow Valley 6/7 Center, where he taught 6th and 7th grade science.  Currently, he teaches 7th grade science at South Cache Middle School.  

As part of his nomination, Mr. Buttars was described as a “master teacher” who  “not only worries about how kids are doing in his class, but how they are doing schoolwide.”  As evidence of this, Mr. Buttars was the site director for Willow Valley’s REACH after school program and developed it into the largest, most successful site in the state of Utah.

When asked to characterize what makes Mr. Buttars a great teacher, Teri Cutler said, “Humility.  He doesn’t do anything for the spotlight, he does it because he loves teaching and he loves kids.”  She continued, “Mr. Buttars is both a learner and a leader in the school. I can count on him.”  

Michelle Hamp, a kindergarten teacher at Birch Creek Elementary, shows compassion to each child with whom she comes in contact.  Her goal is to to help students learn to recognize their own unique value as an individual.

“We are teaching them about themselves,” Hamp said. “I hope my kindergarten students remember that it's okay if you don't know everything. I hope they remember that I loved them.”

Cheryl Nielsen, Canyon Elementary’s Teacher of the Year, is known for being a team player and for having a positive attitude. Her hard work and dedication makes a difference throughout the school.  Stacie Williamson, the principal at Canyon Elementary, commented, “Cheryl Nielsen is an amazing teacher!  She’s a dedicated team player who is always willing to jump in on extra projects to help the school at large. Our Literacy Night runs like clockwork each year because she heads the committee! She is organized, creative, fun and always working with her students with a positive attitude and a sweet smile.”

Making sure that each student is cared for and recognized is something for which Nielsen is constantly striving.  She said, “I love teaching. My goal is to have positive interactions with every student, every day.  I love to see the excitement in their eyes and on their face when they ‘get’ something new which we are learning.”

You can feel the difference when you walk into Janice Stettler’s classroom.  Stettler, who was selected as Greenville Elementary’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year, creates a calm environment for her students, which helps them learn and focus.  Greenville Elementary’s principal, Dee Ashcroft, said, “Janice is calm and collected, and when you go into her classroom, her students are calm and collected. When I walk in, I sometimes wonder ‘Wow, are these second graders?’ because it’s not a typical second grade classroom. We are lucky to have her at Greenville.”  

Stettler’s calming presence is also appreciated by the second grade team at Greenville Elementary.  A fellow teacher commented, “Each year Janice takes a group of students and teaches them self control, cooperation, and calmness. She sends them forward with a great thirst for knowledge. Her classroom is always full of happy, hardworking students.”

Stettler strives to transfer her passion for learning on to her students. She shared, “I love teaching the love of learning! I’m inspired by a quote by Maimonides that says, ‘Give a man (child) a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man (child) to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’”

Mindee Larsen, a literacy facilitator who works at various schools within the district, was nominated by Heritage Elementary.  She offers her students patience and support as they work to meet literacy goals. Larsen shared that her passion for education derives from positive experiences with teachers when she was an adolescent herself.

According to Larsen, her hope is to help students reach their goals, academic or personal.  “I want to help all students I work with to develop their abilities and foster a desire to work hard and achieve their goals in life,” Larsen explained.

Kyle Ashcroft was selected as Lewiston Elementary’s Teacher of the Year for his commitment to ensuring that each of his students receives a quality educational experience. Leslie Burt, the principal at Lewiston, said, “Kyle is dedicated to making learning fun and memorable to the kids. He works really hard to make sure they get hands-on opportunities and field trips. His number one priority is always doing what is best for the students.”

Burt continued, “Kyle has also done an amazing job at keeping the fourth grade running through a lot of challenges and changes. He’s the type of teacher that students will never forget.”

Kyle has spent 39 years teaching fourth grade at Lewiston Elementary. His career in education has impacted thousands of children over the years. This year will be his last year teaching, as he has decided to retire. He will be greatly missed at Lewiston Elementary.

Emily Hill was chosen as Lincoln Elementary’s Teacher of the Year for going above and beyond for each and every student. She honors each child as an individual, and puts in the extra work to make sure they receive the best education possible. Melanie Jenkins, a teacher at Lincoln Elementary, said, "Emily is so concerned about her students, and very loving and caring.  She does so much to make sure they are getting the best school experience they can get, and she adds extra little punches of language arts instruction to ensure their success."

Hill appreciates the importance of treating each student as an individual. She is aware that some students struggle more than others, but she strives to make her class a good experience for everyone. She said, “I love to teach!  I'm not only teaching children to read, write, and work with numbers, but I'm teaching them the value a smile can have, the importance of being loving and kind, that hard work and dedication pays off, that making mistakes is a good thing, and that they can be anything they want to be in life."

Whitney Tibbitts was selected as Millville Elementary’s Teacher of the Year for her work ethic and for never giving up on any of her students. Gary Thomas, the principal at Millville Elementary, said, “Even though Whitney has only taught for a few years, she truly is a master teacher. She is not afraid to pull the gloves off and go to work--more so than any teacher I have previously worked with.”

Tibbits appreciates her students’ enthusiasm for learning, and loves that she never has a dull day. She said, “I love teaching because each day greets me with new successes to celebrate or new challenges to be mastered. It is never boring! My students keep me on my toes with their energy and zeal for learning and life. There are very few things that I don't love about my profession in teaching.”

Tibbits also enjoys working with the teachers at Millville Elementary to create a positive learning experience for students. She commented, “I love the collaboration with my colleagues, the creativity that goes into planning productive, but engaging and fun days for my students, and the cooperation between parents and myself to help our students be successful in their own way. Teaching is a natural fit for me, and one that I am grateful and excited to be doing each day.”

Margaret Berry, a 1st grade teacher at Mountainside Elementary, was recognized for her kindness and concern towards her students. Lynette Riggs, the principal at Mountainside, gave several reasons why Margaret was chosen for the award. “Her room is warm and friendly, and parents and children feel welcome and happy there,” Riggs said. “ As a principal, I appreciate that kindness, as well, and her desire to do well and reach every student.”  Riggs continued, “She is quick to serve anyone who needs assistance--adult or child--and her dedication to her work is obvious.”

Berry dreamed about being a teacher and a mom from the time she was a child.  That passion makes her job rewarding.  She remembers a friend telling her, “‘If you love what you do, you never have to go to work.”  Berry explained, “That's how I feel about teaching.  I love to teach!”  She especially enjoys working with young students.  “Children energize me and bring me such joy,” Berry said.

Kathy Downs, a 5th grade teacher at Nibley Elementary, was recognized for caring about her students, being a team player, and helping faculty succeed. Nibley Elementary Principal, Kelly Rindlisbacher, said, “Kathy is a great teacher. She loves those kids for who they are. And these are fifth graders, and some days they might come in and may not want to be loved much as they are, but Kathy cares about them.”  

Downs finds inspiration in seeing her students grasp new concepts and flourish as they learn together.  “I love teaching because it is amazing to see kids minds working and understanding new academic  things.  It is even more amazing to see them  working together and acting with kindness,” she said.  “It is a great day in the classroom when we are all motivating and encouraging each other to reach new heights.”

Annette Egan, North Park Elementary’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year, has a special talent for bonding with her students.  She is known for going above and beyond to support her students. Egan has even attended some of her students’ soccer games, dance reviews, and other events.  According to Sharyle Shaffer, the principal at North Park, Egan makes every one of her students feel like they are her favorite.  

Egan strives to teach her students lifelong lessons and to help them reach their potential. Shaffer explained, “Annette shares her high expectations for learning with her students, and always encourages them to make good choices. She teaches life lessons about being kind, honest, and working hard.”  

Belinda Burningham was recently selected as Park Elementary’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year.   She was recognized for her willingness to go above and beyond for her students, as well as other faculty members.

As a Kindergarten teacher, Burningham knows the importance of creating personal relationships with her students and their parents.  Shellie Healy, the principal at Park Elementary, explained, “Before kindergarten starts, she visits every family and student before they step into her classroom. She gets to know them before they start school. It’s amazing!”

Burningham wants each of her students to be successful, and she considers herself to be one of their lifelong cheerleaders. She said, “I teach because I love children. I love to help them succeed. I love to see confidence and strength grow in them--from the first day they enter my class, to the last day, when they leave. I have taught hundreds of children and no matter how old they become, they will always be my kids.  I will be there to cheer them on!”

Healy also appreciates the enthusiasm for learning and growth which Burningham brings to the school.  She commented, “Belinda loves to learn; she is the example to the whole building. I can approach her with anything, and she will do it.  She has an energy about her that inspires other teachers to feel like they can accomplish things, too.”

Debbie Rees was chosen as Providence Elementary’s Teacher of the Year for going the extra mile, and for helping other teachers to succeed. Trudy Wilson, the principal of Providence Elementary, appreciates Rees’ willingness to pitch in and help wherever she’s needed.  “One of Debbie’s greatest strengths is that she is an extremely hard worker,” said Wilson. “She has taken on extra assignments from the CEA, district committees and school committees.  The district also calls on her to do a lot of their teaching. She really empowers new teachers to try new things.”

Rees recognizes the far-reaching impact of her work as a teacher.  “I appreciate the value of a school,” she explained.  “It brings me great satisfaction knowing that what I do in the classroom will impact not just one child, but potentially an entire community if I effectively inspire and cultivate a young mind.”  

Which attributes does Rees strive for as an educator?  “Modeling perseverance, tolerance, and positivity with every child I teach, gives me hope that their lives and mine will be better for it,” she said.

Cheryl Orme,  River Heights Elementary’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year, has a remarkable ability to connect with her students and motivate them to do their very best.  Glen Harris, the principal of River Heights Elementary, explained, “She has a natural ability for teaching and handling children. Her students love and respect her. They listen to her every word. Mrs. Orme makes learning engaging and fun for them. She treats students in a kind and calm manner. Her students know that  she has high expectations for them, and they respond to that.”

According to Orme, her focus is on developing a passion for learning in her students. She hopes that her belief in their abilities helps them to excel in all areas of their lives. Orme commented, “I love to share my love of learning with my students and to see them get excited when they understand a concept.  I hope I can make a difference in their lives by believing they can do hard things.”

For the past two years, Diana Adams has been able to get 100% of her students on grade level.  Adams, who was recently announced as Summit Elementary’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year, has the remarkable ability to see her students’ potential and to motivate them to reach it. Troy Pugmire, the principal at Summit Elementary, said,  “Diana sees her students not only for who they are, but for who they can become. With this vision, she provides structure within a positive learning environment and effectively utilizes sound instruction to individually help her students achieve their very best.”

Adams appreciates that teaching provides her, as well as her students, with opportunities to grow.  She commented, “Teaching brings out the best in myself and my students.  Reaching higher goals establishes success in all my students.”  

Sonja Buttars, a first grade teacher, was recently announced as Sunrise Elementary’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year.  She was recognized for her ability to make students feel comfortable and motivated in her classroom.  Kathy Toolson, the principal at Sunrise Elementary, shared, “Mrs. Buttars is one of those fabulous first grade teachers. She’s the type of teacher that welcomes students into the school. She helps students to learn to love to be at school. When I walk in her room, there is never a down moment.  Those kids are working every minute of the day and she does a great job with that.”

Janalee Nielson, a 2nd grade teacher at Wellsville Elementary, was recognized for her organization and planning,  experience, commitment to excellence, attention to detail and firm belief that all students can succeed. Wellsville Elementary Principal, Cody Dobson, described her as a “natural problem solver.”  He explained, “When she comes to me with a concern, she often also offers one or more solutions.”

Nielson discovered her love for teaching when she was very young. “I would play school everyday with my siblings and cousins and taught several of them the alphabet and sounds before they even got to school age,” she shared. “I have several educators in my family and teaching just seemed like a natural fit for me.”  

Being a teacher has brought Nielson fulfillment and joy.  She said, “I love that I can spend my days helping kids grow and learn, and I enjoy the love they give to me. I love going to a job with colleagues that make me better, and that I can have a good time with. On hard days that make me contemplate if I should travel a different path, I quickly realize that this is the place for me, and I would never be happy doing anything else!”

Laura Haynie was chosen as Cedar Ridge’s Teacher of the Year for going above and beyond, and for creating an environment where children want to succeed. Her co-worker, Laurie Baldwin, said that Laura’s energetic personality, positive attitude and teaching style gets students excited to participate. Baldwin shared, “Laura is probably one of the most enthusiastic teachers I have ever had the opportunity to work with. She always has a smile on her face. She's always trying to find ways to go the extra mile.”  

Haynie’s enthusiasm seems to be infectious. She started a running club called “Fuel Up to Play 60” that quickly grew into a large club. Baldwin commented, “She has had more students in that club, than any other club I have ever seen at Cedar Ridge. This is because they are excited about coming, and they are excited about activity, a healthy lifestyle, and all that Laura is teaching in her classes.”

Haynie was also nominated for focusing on the students as individuals. She strives to help every student succeed, regardless of their physical skill level.  Haynie explained, “I know that everyone out there is not a ‘natural’ athlete, but I truly believe that physical fitness is more than just shooting a ball or making that great catch.  Physical education is about making your body healthy, and everyone in my class can show growth and improvement in that.”

Haynie’s passion for teaching is evident in her desire to watch each student succeed. Upon being selected as Teacher of the Year, she commented, “I love teaching because I love to see the expression on my students faces when they achieve something they never thought they could.”

Kelly Allen, a Language Arts teacher at White Pine Middle School, was recognized because of her consistent efforts to help kids fall in love with reading. Allen takes great pride in her ability to find books that will suit each of her students’ personalities individually.

“I am a self-proclaimed "Yente" (the matchmaker from “Fiddler on the Roof”), and I love matching kids with books they are interested in and love,” Allen shared.

Angela Walker was selected as one of White Pine Middle School’s Teachers of the Year for her commitment and dedication to her students’ educational experience. Randy Bennion, principal at White Pine, said, “Her love for teaching and the students shows in the classroom. She is committed and dedicated. She doesn’t want to miss a day of school because there are things her students need to learn. She’s passionate, and committed to a positive educational experience for all of her students.”

One thing that stands out about Walker is her positive energy.  Bennion continued, “Her laughter is infectious and you will always hear it everywhere she goes. Angela is a very caring teacher for all of her students.”

Walker’s dedication to her students is motivated by the struggles she herself experienced during middle school.  She hopes to make this difficult stage in her students’ lives a little less difficult.  She commented, “I’ve taught every age level throughout the last 15 years. These awkward middle schoolers are my absolute favorite. I believe they deserve to be happy, even though this is a hard stage of life. I hope that I help them feel that, at some point in the short time that we are together.”

If you ask students at North Cache Middle School about Richard Spackman, chances are they’d mention his love of math.  Spackman, who was chosen as North Cache’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year, just can’t hide his passion for the subject.  He’s committed to sharing and spreading that love of math with students throughout the school.

Students appreciate that Spackman helps them understand math in a different way than they have traditionally been taught.  “Math is hard for me,” shared one student.  “ But Mr. Spackman has made me feel like I can really do it.  Learning math this year has been easier than any other year.  I really learn well from how he teaches.”   

“Mr. Spackman is the best,” added another student, “and he’s not even my teacher. He will always help me when I need it.”

North Cache’s principal, Terry Williams, is grateful to have Spackman on staff.  “We really appreciate Mr. Spackman at North Cache,” Williams said.  “He is always in the trenches, day in and day out.”

Spackman gives a lot of credit to the students he teaches.   “Some people say kids are getting worse and worse as time goes on,” he shared.  “I have seen the opposite. It has been a privilege to teach these students, and they get better and better.”

South Cache Middle School selected Alicia Moser as its 2016-17 Teacher of the Year.  According to Andrew Lund, the vice principal at South Cache, part of what makes Alicia such an outstanding teacher is her desire to help every student succeed. “Alicia is an amazing educator,” Lund explained.  “She wants to see her students find success in ALL of their classes, not just in her science class.  She looks at the bigger picture for her students and knows what they are capable of, and what she can do to maximize their learning. Mrs. Moser is a teacher who brings positive change to her students!”

Moser’s desire to help students succeed is evident in the way her students speak about her.  “She is one of my favorite teachers,” shared one student.  “I love the way she teaches and what we do in her class. Last year I didn’t like science, but this year Mrs. Moser made it so fun--it’s one of my favorite classes now.”

Another student confided, “She is the most understanding teacher I have ever met.”

Moser is grateful to be recognized, and she attributed her success to the great faculty at South Cache.  She commented, “The biggest honor for me is that I was selected by the teachers I work with.  I think they are amazing people. I love my job.”

Spring Creek Middle School selected art teacher Meg Erekson as its 2016-17 Teacher of the Year.  Erekson finds happiness and fulfillment in sharing her passion with her students.  “I teach art because I love it—I have a passion for it,” she shared.  “When I feel joy about something, I want to give that joy to someone else, and who better to share exciting innovative ways of creating with than energetic, impulsive and curious teenagers?”

Erekson believes that it’s important to spark creativity in students by using concepts that they can relate to. She commented, “I’m inspired by searching out current artists and what they’re doing.  I get excited about writing lesson plans using those ideas as inspiration--projects that I know will spark the interests of my students and that are relevant in their lives right now.”

Amanie Crosbie, Assistant Principal at Spring Creek, is impressed by the way Erekson inspires her students.  “Our students love that she not only teaches from the core,” Crosbie said, “but also tries to incorporate creative unique opportunities for students to display their own interests and things they get excited about. They love art and ceramics. They have a great experience while they’re there.”

Zane Christensen, Cache High’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year, is known for taking a genuine interest in the lives of all the school’s students. Sheri Hansen, the principal at Cache High, shared, “He does such an amazing job at our school. He is great with kids. He doesn’t leave without making sure everyone is ok. I appreciate him every day because of the impact he has in our students’ lives.”

Students at Cache High regard Christensen as a friend, as well as a mentor.  A few of them shared their feelings about what makes him such a great teacher:

“He really is the best teacher that I know. He helps and cares about the students more than anyone I have ever seen.”

“He really deserves this.  Zane is one of these people that cares so much. I have never experienced a teacher that is willing to help me...not only in school, but in my personal life. I’ve never had someone be there for me like that.”

Christensen says that the relationships he shares with students benefit all parties involved. He said, “I can’t say enough about Cache High kids. I may have made a difference in their lives, but the students have also impacted and touched my life. I thank them for being such good students, and Sheri for being such an awesome principal.”

Cade Basset, a French teacher, was recently announced as Mountain Crest High School's 2016-17 Teacher of the Year.  He was recognized for his enthusiasm, his sense of humor, and his ability to connect with his students.

As a language teacher, Basset appreciates that he is able to cover many subjects with his students.  He explained, “Without a doubt my favorite part of teaching is the daily interaction with students.  Teaching a foreign language allows me to talk about many topics with them.  We discuss history, math, current events, culture, art, and more.  I enjoy making them laugh, and I also love it when the conversation turns philosophical.  Teaching is magical in so many ways.”  

Kim Rasmussen was nominated for Teacher of the Year for her desire to help students succeed and excel in her class. Brittney Foster, Vice Principal at Ridgeline High School, said, “Kim’s genuine desire is for each of her students to find academic success. She has students in her room every day after school.  She spends countless hours helping them and making sure that they understand chemistry and succeed in her class.”

Rasmussen  was also recognized for her ability to make students feel comfortable. She shows a genuine interest in the students in her class and the students feel that they can trust her.  Foster continued, “She’s very approachable. Her students call her Rass. Sometimes students are scared to asked teachers for help. Students are never scared to ask her for help.”

Rasmussen strives to spark every student’s interest in science. She said, “Being a teacher has so many rewards and is full of endless opportunities to lead, inspire, and grow with my students.  Teaching chemistry is one of my passions and I strive to spark each student's interest in science, along with encouraging them to explore and participate in future science opportunities.”  

Being able to see her student’s progress and creating lasting relationships are a few of the things Rasmussen enjoys most about teaching.  “Experiencing the students’ development and transition through consecutive trimesters is such a reward,” she shared.  “ As an educator, I have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, parents, families, colleagues, and the community.  I love being a teacher!”  

Kyliann Erickson, Sky View High School’s Teacher of the Year, is known for her drive to help students reach their full potential. Curt Hanks, the vice principal at Sky View, explained, “She’s got her stuff together. She loves teaching and doesn’t think of it as a job, and that shows. Her favorite part of teaching is helping every student realize they can do hard things.”

Erickson loves to learn, and jokes that she wonders if her family may think of her as a student more than a teacher.  She believes that much of her success is due to the great students and faculty with whom she works.  She commented, “You are only as good as the people you work with.  I appreciate the administration at Sky View--they are amazing.”

Of her students, Erickson says, “I especially appreciate my students. I don’t know that I teach them more than they teach me.  I hope that I can continue to be a good teacher in all my students’ lives in the future as well.”