A Mountain Crest Hero: How Sari Sparks Goes Above and Beyond for Her Students
From attending as a high school student to teaching there for 13 years, Sari Sparks has a deep connection to Mountain Crest High School. Inspired by the teachers she had in the past, Sparks works hard to be the best teacher possible for her students.
“I love the chance to continue to be a part of this community and love getting to enjoy the various programs we have here at the school,” Sparks says. “Mountain Crest is one of my favorite places to be.”
Sparks teaches History, Government, and Political Science, and previously taught both English and ELL classes. Her undergraduate degree is from Utah State University, and she went on to earn three master’s degrees and an ESL endorsement while teaching.
She has always loved school and learning, and decided to become a teacher after having so many amazing experiences with her teachers at Mountain Crest. “They showed me teachers who cared about their students — not only in their education, but also who they were as people and who they were going to be as adults,” she shares.
She tries to replicate what those great educators taught her every day in her classroom, and loves getting to see the awesome people her students are becoming. Sparks supports her students both in and out of the classroom, attending after-school events and activities that her students are involved in.
“Honestly, my students, current and former, remind me that the world has so much goodness in it and that helps me love my job,” Sparks says. “Every day I am reminded of their intelligence, their humor, and their kindness.”
Both students and staff are appreciative of all of her efforts, noting how her engaging teaching and strong desire for learning make her an essential part of what makes Mountain Crest such a great place to be.
“Sari Sparks is an incredible, dedicated, hardworking, and committed teacher. She is always willing to help out wherever she is needed,” says Mountain Crest Principal Denise Mouritsen. “We are extremely lucky to have her here.”
Sparks describes how she hopes her students will take what they learn in the classroom and use it to grow and to help those around them. One of her goals is for her students to teach others about our country’s history and the important role we all play in shaping its future.
“I have a great passion for my content, and I try to show my students the importance of this knowledge,” Sparks adds. “I also hope I show them that the learning they started in my classroom doesn't have to stop. There are always ways you can continue being a learner.”
