Originally published on November 01, 2024.
Cami Carlson holds a diverse set of titles: writer, teacher, coach, public speaker, and poet. However, the common thread for each title is the love and passion she devotes to each one.
She has been a beloved and integral part of Utah’s Carbon School District in Utah for the past 24 years and is still going strong. As an English and U.S. History teacher, she has spent much of her time developing unique and creative lessons that not only keep her students engaged, but allow her to connect with them individually.
Cami’s students recognize the genuine love she has for them, and they appreciate her ability to foster open-mindedness and encourage critical thinking. Because of this, she was recently awarded the 2024 Carbon School District “Apples for Teachers” Teacher of the Year award, for which she was nominated by one of her students.
“The best part about teaching is absolutely the opportunities I am afforded each day to interact with incredible high school students and to see them grow in character and intellect,” she says. “From the time I was in junior high, I knew I wanted to be an English teacher, and I knew I wanted to be a writer. I had very inspiring teachers and professors in junior high, high school, and college, and I wanted to have the impact on others that they had on me.”
There were several professors who inspired her and helped her grow academically, including Kay Cook, David Lee, and Doug Burger. She will always remember those Southern Utah University professors who made such a large impact on her life.
“[At SUU] I learned that I was strong. I faced challenges and handled them, and I never gave up. I learned confidence in myself and my abilities,” she says.
Cami was fortunate to be able to attend concurrently with her uncle, Ed Potts (’99), who is only four years older than her. He had always been a role model of hers, and his decision to attend SUU greatly impacted Cami’s, whose scholastic journey eventually led to her graduation with both a teaching certification and a bachelor’s degree in English.
Not only is Cami a powerful force in the classroom, but she is also an award-winning children’s book author. She currently has three published works: Hey! You're Great!, The Bully Book, and Run, Cow, Run!. In 2021, she received the prestigious Spur Award from Western Writers of America for her book Run, Cow, Run!
Cami continues to serve her community in a multitude of ways, including volunteering at elementary schools, serving as advisor for Authors Anonymous (a club for aspiring young writers), and distributing food for children through a program called Carbon Caring for Kids. Through her difficulties and accomplishments, she remembers SUU with fondness.
“My years at SUU were fantastic, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Tags: College of Humanities and Social Sciences Education Teacher Education English
