Ten outstanding Granite District teachers were lauded by the district's Education Foundation, wtih both "awards and rewards." The teachers received certificates and checks for $1,000. They include:
Georgia Block earlier was named the district Teacher of the Year for 1990. She is a fourth-grade teacher at Oakwood Elementary who "is not burdened by doubts and fears, but follows her instincts. Students say she not only teaches them math and spelling but "to believe in ourselves."Scott Bringhurst, an eighth-grade health teacher at West Lake Junior High, works at knowing each of his schools' 1,200 students personally. He calls the parents of each student in his classes to share positive feelings and encourages students to substitute athletics for drug abuse.
R. Clayton Brough, earth science and geography teacher at Eisenhower Junior High and local TV weatherman, provides creative classroom experiences including having students build the largest junior high weather observatory in the country and the largest calibrated slide rule in the world.
Gary Clark, business/marketing teacher at Granite High School, is "filled with boundless energy and commitment," according to nominators. He works both in class and in extracurricular activities to provide students unusual experiences to help them grow and develop.
Mary Ann Clarke, a third-grade teacher at Beehive Elementary, has taught for 23 years. She was praised for "consistent, loving care and concern" for her students. She is known as a "nurturer of learning," who makes learning fun and school "a good place to be."
Ronald Jensen, math teacher at Wasatch Junior High School, makes himself available to students before and after school to assure their understanding of mathematics. His classes are disciplined but fun, with many hands-on experiences to make math come alive.
Carolyn Kirkwood is a kindergarten teacher at Orchard Elementary and "every parent's dream." She has encouraged parent voluntarism in her classroom and adapts the curriculum to meet the needs of each child.
Pam McDonald, Oakridge Elementary first-grade teacher, treats parents as equal partners in the educational process. She calls each of her prospective students before the first day to make them welcome.
Linda Pearson, biology, wildlife and zoology teacher at Kearns High School, went the extra mile to develpo a wildlife biology course and text that are taught throughout the district. She and initiated the Spirit Week concept now used in many schools.
Betsy Tubbs creates in her fifth-graders at Moss Elementary "self-worth and a desire to achieve." She helps them become aware of their own potential and at the same time she interacts positively with other teachers in the school and builds a collegial, sensitive atmosphere.