Outstanding SUU Grad Student Sayre Posey Elected 2025 Teacher of the Year
Published: December 16, 2024 | Author: Pixie Merkley | Read Time: 2 minutes
Sayre Posey, one of SUU's graduate students, was selected as Utah’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. She teaches 8th-grade History at Northwest Middle School in Salt Lake City, where her imaginative and experiential approach to learning has resulted in regional and state-wide recognition for both herself and her students. She and four other finalists were honored at a banquet dinner at the Utah State Capitol. Posey also received a prestigious $10,000 award.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Sayer Posey in several courses,” said Brian Ludlow, SUU professor. “It’s inspiring to see one of our own graduates recognized for such an incredible achievement."
Posey is currently working to obtain a Master’s of Education degree at SUU, and is in the process of completing her thesis, titled, “The Impact of Project-Based Learning on Student Attitudes Towards History.”
Posey’s work centers around literacy-based social studies to elevate young minds and eliminate educational inequity through active engagement, critical thinking, and play.
“I love designing hands-on learning activities in class and opportunities for students to reenact or role-play history,” said Posey. “For example, we recently investigated a Boston Massacre crime scene before re-enacting the trial of the British soldiers. I think giving students the opportunity to experience history through hands-on learning generates higher student engagement and learning outcomes. It makes it memorable.”
Posey offered her appreciation and gratitude to several professors, as well as the various resources provided at SUU. “Dr. Brian Ludlow is my thesis advisor and I love chatting with him about new ways to use AI in the classroom,” said Posey. “I also loved my School Law class with Dr. Prent Klag. I truly learned a lot about school policies and procedures. The information I learned and the way Dr. Klag facilitated learning and discussions have already helped me better navigate the school year.”
Southern Utah University's Master of Education is a fully online program open to all individuals in various educational settings. Prospective students can enroll in the program in the fall, spring, and summer semesters, and required coursework can be completed in as few as three semesters. Learn more about SUU’s Online Master of Education.
Tags: Education Community SUU Online
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
4355865400
brookeheath1@suu.edu