Archer Birrell, Granite School District 2018 Teacher of the Year Award Winner.

 Archer Birrell is an amazing teacher.

 

His classroom is one that any student would dream of walking into. He puts effort into his lessons, teaches with enthusiasm, and inspires his students to learn.

 

“If we’re not having fun, we’re not learning,” says Birrell. “And I get to set the tone for how much fun we are having.”

 

Archer studied Elementary Education and earned his Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis/ endorsement in educational technology.

 
“My mom was an elementary teacher when I was in elementary school,” he said. “So, I also got to know the other teachers; they were my heroes… [and] my dad is a writing professor at UVU. He has his degree in education. I also spent a lot of time with him observing other teachers while traveling through the U.S.”

 

Archer's parents encouraged him to also consider other fields of study before making a career decision but he knew his heart always belonged to education. Now, Birrell teaches fourth grade at Hillside Elementary and was awarded Granite School District’s Teacher of the Year in 2018.

 

Some advice Archer would give other teachers is to remember the first few years are hard but it does get easier.
“There are always things you will learn. You’ll never stop learning as a teacher and it is really important to find what you love about education. There are definitely hard moments. Always think positively. In any career there will be hard times and good times. Believe you can become the best teacher in the world... focus on the positive. Think and say positive things about yourself and other teachers, principals, the community, families, and students. If you’ve lit the fuse of positivity, there will be an explosion of positivity coming back to you.”