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In a world where pursuing knowledge and personal growth is a beacon of hope, we somehow overlook educators’ immense impact on our lives. Education transcends instruction; it transforms world views and shapes our shared future. This series offers gratitude through essays and interviews for the teachers who have left an indelible mark on their students. We will meet with seniors in our three high schools, asking the following prompt:

Now that you are finishing school in our district think back over your years in school, from kindergarten to your senior year. Can you identify a teacher who made a real difference in some aspect of your life, academically or personally? What did they teach you about yourself? What would you like to say to them?

Today, we’re sharing a few comments from interviews conducted at Timpview High School. 

We invite you to celebrate the heroes who silently shape the world, one lesson at a time. Email newsubmissions@provo.edu with your letters or essays to your teachers and administration, or send your video reel to ProvoCitySchoolDistrict on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.

Read some of the kind words expressed by Timpview High students for teachers across the district below.

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Izry Garcia-Medina

The teacher who impacted me the most is Cassidy Baker. She was very kind to me. She cares about her students a lot. She’s helped me through tough family times over the years I’ve known her. She’s been a big part of my life—in academics and our friendship. She’s helped me through high school, and I want her to know that.

She gave me a push to become who I am today. I was very shy in middle school, and she encouraged me to be outgoing and kind to everyone around me. She taught me not to give up on the things I’m passionate about just because of a few obstacles.

I love you, Baker! I’m sad to leave Timpview soon, but you are amazing. Never forget that.

 Gabby Hall

The teacher who made an impact on my life was Ms. Heaton, my fourth-grade teacher. She taught me how to learn and made it fun to go to school. She had a connected classroom environment and loved making activities for her lessons. I really enjoyed her class. She helped me know that I can make friends and that I’m a likable person. She helped me make friends that I still have today. Thanks for the awesome fourth-grade class.

Caleb Ngatuvai

One of my most influential teachers was Teri Francis, my fourth-grade teacher. It was my first year at Provo Peaks. Moving, I felt a little out of place. I didn’t know anybody, but she helped me feel comfortable and grow. 

She helped me realize there’s more to learning that I didn’t know about before. She helped me realize that learning is a big priority for me. She helped me understand that learning can be fun. She’s helped me grow my passion for learning. Now, I can take all of these accelerated classes, and I have big dreams for the future.

 Michaela Grossarth 

The teacher I want to give a shout-out to is Ms. White. She’s super caring and loving to all her students. She doesn’t just care about your grades; she also cares about who you are outside of class. When you talk to her, you can tell how genuine she is and how much she actually cares about you. She’d do anything for her students.

Her class is super interactive, and she’s a great teacher. She always helps those who are confused or behind. She can help you work around your situation. In my junior year, I struggled and got behind in her class. I couldn’t go to her class for a month. When I returned, she took me out to the hallway and told me how much she cared about me and was willing to help me. She recognized that it wasn’t my fault that I couldn’t come to school. She said she knew I was working hard, and because I put in the effort earlier, she could compromise and help make life easier for me now.

I want to say thank you so much; you made such a significant impact on my life. You are going to affect so many students, so thank you.

Nelesoni Tu’ua

The teacher I want to thank is Terry Brown. He always kept his class very involved. He’s very friendly and helps all his students with their assignments. I played football, and he always asked me how the games went and how I was doing.

We did a Socratic Seminar that I liked a lot. The whole class discussed what we were learning. I feel like I’m more prepared for college and how to interact with classmates. 

Thank you; you helped make my high school experience more fun.

Sadie Gerber

The teacher who had a significant impact on me was Cameron Whatcott. He gives one-on-one help and explains subjects as often as possible until something sticks. Even though Woods might not be something I can use my entire life, it’s taught me life lessons. I’ve learned to keep trying, even if I fail.

Lucy Bailey

The teacher I want to shout out to is Madame Elodie Petelo. She taught me how to work and not give up. She’s taught me about French culture, but just as importantly, she taught me that I can push myself and not give up. I’ve learned that I can improve and get better.

Spencer Tuinei
  • Communication Specialist
  • Spencer Tuinei
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