Salt Lake City teacher Kellie May named Utah’s 2019 State Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations are in order for Utah educator Kellie May of Salt Lake City. She has just been named the 2019 Utah Teacher of the Year!
Kellie was employed at West High School in the Salt Lake City School District. There she was involved with the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Program. The program helps students in under-represented populations prepare for college and succeed once they get there. AVID programs have been established in all 50 states and many countries abroad.
This chalkboard champion has earned the praise of many of her colleagues. “She has a knack for working with students and really getting them to see and believe in their own potential,” said Salt Lake City School District Superintendent Lexi Cunningham. “She was instrumental in getting kids to graduate.”
In addition to her seven years at West High, Kellie has also taught at Bryant Middle School, Lincoln Elementary (now called Liberty), and Northwest Middle School. Currently she is an Associate Instructor at the University of Utah, where she trains new teachers.
A lifelong learner, Kellie declares she has dedicated her whole career to public education. Kellie says she loves teaching, and works hard to share that passion with others. In addition, Kellie admits teaching can be challenging, but she asserts it can also be the most rewarding profession.
Kellie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Education at the University of Utah in 1995. She earned a Master’s in Teaching and Learning in 2000, and a second Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration in 2011, also from the University of Utah.
A check for $10,000 was presented to the honored educator. Next, she will meet with Teachers of the Year from all over the country at a national conference. These educators will also meet with the president in Washington, DC, and attend space camp in Alabama next summer.
To read more about Kellie, read this story in the Salt Lake City Tribune.