2012 Canyons Teacher of the Year: Amy Bateman, Eastmont Middle
Amy Bateman, an Eastmont Middle School math teacher known for her relentless commitment to a vision that all students will succeed, was named the 2012 Canyons School District Teacher of the Year. The honor came with prizes including a $1,000 check from the Canyons School District Education Foundation. Bateman was one of three finalists for District Teacher of the Year honors. The other finalists are: Stephanie Lay, math, Butler Middle School; and Denise Ferguson, language arts, Alta High School, who received prizes and $250 each from the Foundation.
Bateman’s award was announced at the Board of Education’s Teacher Appreciation Night, in which it honored all 45 school Teachers of the Year for their commitment to excellence and dedication to Canyons students and families. Teachers of the Year were selected at each school by committees, and nominated by colleagues, parents and school leaders. Each Teacher of the Year must have taught at least three years and be a career educator, and showcase outstanding teaching practices and professional and community involvement. Teachers of the Year were announced at their schools the last week of April, and honored at halftime at Canyons Night at Real Salt Lake May 5, 2012.
Board Hosts Teacher Appreciation Night
The Board of Education hosted Teacher Appreciation Night, which included recognitions and a reception to honor 45 school Teachers of the Year and the 2012 Region 17 PTA Reflections art contest winners. The event began with a flag ceremony by The Cobra Patrol from Ridgecrest Elementary, and the National Anthem sung by 2012 Canyons Idol winners. Also recognized were:
Alta Jazz Band member and pianist Trevor Coon, who played at the Teachers of the Year reception
Utah PTA Reflections winners:
National PTA Reflections winner, Keawe Oliveira, Alta View Elementary, “Sometimes Different Things Need Each Other,” Photography, Award of Excellence
State Awards of Merit:
– Madeline Ashton, Hillcrest High School, “Untitled,” Visual Arts
– Harl Demirev, Midvale Middle School, “All-in-One,” Photography
– Jacob Wright, Altara Elementary, “Eli and Me Diversity!” Literature
– Becket Harris, Bella Vista Elementary, “Diversity Dinosaurs,” Film Production
– Annie DeWaal, Alta High, “The Face,” Dance
State Awards of Excellence:
– Marianne Liu, Peruvian Park Elementary, “Amazing Ocean Life,” Visual Arts
– Abigail Slama-Catron, Peruvian Park Elementary, “Make New Friends,” Theatre
David Morrill, Jordan High, Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education
Kelly Dumont, invited to be a member of the National Council on Digital Citizenship
Andrew Mutters, winner, Utah “Yes, I Can” Award, Independent Living/Employment, Council for Exceptional Children
Abbey L. Diener, Alta High, 2012 National Merit Scholar
Jacob A. Brown, Hillcrest High School, Perfect Composite Score, ACT
Brittany Critchfield, Mount Jordan Middle; and Yassmin Peralta, Midvale Middle School; essay contest winners, “Do the Write Thing” Challenge
Julia Fu and Emily Zhang, Peruvian Park Elementary; Jerry Fu of Hillcrest High; and Kathy Liu, Midvale Middle; Canyons pianists who performed at Carnegie Hall
Indian Hills Middle School, 2012 National ‘Mix it Up’ Model School, Southern Poverty Law Center, Teaching Tolerance
Hillcrest High School, 4A State Theatre Champions
Region 17 PTA President Shannon Reynolds was honored by the Board and in a presentation by incoming PTA Director Betty Shaw
Superintendent David S. Doty was honored by Utah Technology Council CEO Rich Nelson as the recipient of the UTC’s Educator of the Year Award.
