SMITHFIELD – Jeremy Smith has been named as a Utah Teacher Fellow, one of only 20 selected throughout the state and the only one chosen from Cache Valley. Smith teaches fourth grade at Birch Creek Elementary School in Smithfield and has been teaching at the school since its doors opened in 2009.

A Utah Teacher Fellow works as a liaison between teachers and the Utah State Board of Education. They are asked to engage with other educators and provide teacher-led solutions to the State Board of Education on policies or practices. In cooperation with Hope Street Group, Utah Teacher Fellows receive training on developing and leading professional learning, engaging their peers, professional uses of social media, facilitating difficult conversations, hosting successful meetings, and how to look at challenges with solutions-oriented mindset.

According to the Cache County School District, Smith graduated with a Masters in Elementary and Special Education from Utah State University, and he’s become well-known for his desire to always keep growing.

“The idea of continuing to grow requires effort,” Smith explained in a press release. “It requires risk and requires being open to possibilities. As an educator, besides teaching all the content and standards, at the core is the idea that wherever you’re at, you can keep growing.”

Tabitha Pacheco, Director of the Utah Teacher Fellows Program explained that Jeremy Smith “has demonstrated an exceptional willingness to collaborate, persevere, take initiative and risks, and honor the perspectives of colleagues and decision-makers.” She continued, “We are confident he will be a unique and positive leader for other educators while benefiting from the teacher leadership development training and opportunities the Fellowship provides.”

Smith will be asked to host focus groups with teachers across the state, meet with legislators and participate on various State Board of Education committees. The profile that was used on the Utah Teacher Fellows website illustrates Smith’s passion for teaching.

“Jeremy Smith is an experienced educator in the Cache County School District dedicated to improving education and promoting learning for all students,” the profile states. “With experience in special education, gifted and talented, and general education, Jeremy understands the myriad of challenges in teaching, yet seeks opportunities to help teachers and students continuously improve. Jeremy enjoys presenting at the national, state, and local level about building the key characteristics of good learners and promoting powerful practices for outstanding educators. He enjoys helping others find effective and sustainable ways to meet the challenges that come with being an educator. As a current Utah Teacher Fellow, he looks forward to linking teachers and educators across the state.”



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