Originally published on September 21, 2022.
Kirsten Whatcott Reynolds chose SUU because of its renowned teacher education program, and found it the perfect pathway to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and become a teacher.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education, she currently teaches P.E. at Snow Canyon Middle School in St. George, Utah, after teaching multiple subjects in middle schools across Oregon and Utah, and says she loves her career, despite its challenges.
“I struggled at first to be a good teacher and didn’t even enjoy teaching at first,” she says. “But I am proud of being a master teacher now. I love to help students learn. I love seeing the ‘aha moment’ on their faces when they master a concept. I love when they learn life lessons and I love my students. Teaching really can be fulfilling.”
In addition to teaching, Kristen is an active member of her community. She donates to good causes whenever possible and supports many of her students by attending their after-school games and activities.
Kristen’s SUU professors provided her with valuable encouragement to finish her degree, she says, and she still appreciates the life lessons they taught her. “I learned that I had much to learn in life,” she says.
During her time at SUU, Kristen met her husband, Steven Reynolds, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology, biology, and chemistry. The couple lives in Washington, Utah, and has three children, two daughters-in-law, two granddaughters, with two more grandchildren on the way.
“SUU is the school to attend,” she says. “The academics here are outstanding, the campus is beautiful, the professors are caring, and you will find the best friends.”
Tags: Physical Sciences English
