Celebrate National Teacher Day with Educators Who Inspire Us

Dedicated to Student Success: Meet Six Teachers at our Promise Schools

A good teacher can change your life. From inspiring you to try something new to helping you succeed when you thought you couldn’t, they are the ones evaluating learning, adjusting lesson plans, and encouraging students every day. So what makes teachers tick? To celebrate National Teacher Day, we asked educators at some of our Promise Schools, including East High School, Bennion Elementary, and Hillside Elementary to share why they became teachers and what they love most about their jobs.  

“What made me want to become a teacher is that I enjoy seeing the spark in children as they are learning. It is so exciting to see their minds and world expanding as they learn new concepts and skills. I also wanted to be part of the great work of helping to close the achievement gap. All children deserve an excellent education!”

— Kristin Harville, Literacy Coach, Bennion Elementary School

“The main reason I went into teaching was access. I always knew I always wanted to be a teacher and chose math after watching my friends and classmates struggle with access to the math curriculum. I was always tutoring my friends on the bus and re-explaining mathematics in a student-friendly way. After many years in education, this access has transcended into all subjects and school culture.”

— Laura Cheney, Math Coach, East High School

“Emulating the work of my favorite former educators, my beautiful grandmother and inspiring father, I wanted to be a teacher to help ignite the critical questioning process for all children. Continuing to dismantle institutionalized forms of oppression, being privileged to witness the joy all learners express, and leading students to their ultimate academic pursuits is why I remain in the classroom today.”

— Nicole Wilson, Language Arts, East High School

“The desire to teach has always been motivated by a fundamental belief that public education is the primary civil rights and social justice issue of our time. All other symptoms of inequity in American society can be traced in some shape or form to our educational systems’ ability, or inability, to offer academic, social, and emotional opportunities that are truly equitable for all kids. Also, I adore teenagers and hope to always see the world a little bit through their eyes and big feelings.”

— Katie Nitka, Literary Coach, East High School

“As a student, I gained confidence in my learning through the guidance of amazing teachers who saw me as an individual and helped me recognize my strengths. I strive to be a teacher who sees each student who walks through my door as an individual and helps them realize the amazing talents they bring with them. This has grown into my passion for equity work so that each student has the access and encouragement to support them in their own dreams.”

— Stephanie Shelton, AVID Coordinator and Debate Coach, East High School

“I wanted to become a teacher because I love working with children and wanted to make a positive difference in their lives. I enjoy watching those “lightbulb” moments when children discover the joy of learning and mastering something new.”

— Candice Austin, 2nd Grade Teacher, Hillside Elementary

Thank a Teacher

This National Teacher Day, take a moment to think of all the ways teachers support communities, impart knowledge, and change lives. And say thank you — in person, with a note, or with an in-kind donation to help them do what they do best.

By Jessica Gezon, Senior Content Manager at United Way of Salt Lake