Shaping Generations: 31 Years of Impact at Summit Elementary

Brooke Richards’ career in education holds a rare distinction. This is her 31st year of teaching, and she has spent all 31 at Summit Elementary School.

“I got some advice many years ago that I’ve been able to take into my life,” she said. “It’s this: ‘Every day is a new day.’ What you had yesterday might not have been what you felt like was your 100% today. Every day, 100% is going to look different. I come to school every day with the idea that I will do my best with what I’ve got today. That creates the possibility for every day to be a success.”

Through the ups and downs of teaching, that passion has kept Richards rooted at Summit - where she is now honored as Teacher of the Year.

“Brooke has had a huge impact,” Principal Aimee McNeil said. “She has shaped generations on generations! All of the teachers who have gone through Summit Elementary have been shaped by her positive influence.”

A colleague expressed her admiration for Richards’ impact.

“Brooke will always put the care, safety, and education of her students first,” Richards’ colleague said. “She takes the time to know them personally and individually. She is not only dedicated to her own students, but works incredibly hard to be a positive leader to all students in this school. She knows most of their names and has a positive relationship with them. The students understand this and love her for it.”

Richards’ enthusiasm for education doesn’t mean that the job is easy.

“Teaching can be difficult,” she said. “There are going to be those difficult days, but there are difficult days in every job. The difference, though, is this job is all about making a difference in the life of a child. For me, it’s all about the individual child. This child needs me to be here and on my A-game because they expect and deserve that. Every child in my class deserves and needs me on my A-game.”

That effort is felt and appreciated by her students.

“Brooke makes me really happy,” one student shared. “She is super kind to me and is proud when I work hard.”

Richards strives to help her students experience long-term success.

“I really love the hands-on learning and seeing my students grow and learn,” she said. “Especially in the later grades of elementary school, you really start to see that progress. Things start to click. You start to see that after all of the hard work, this is the lightbulb moment!”

The individual success students experience is correlated with Richards’ nurturing and encouragement.

“Brooke has compassion and a love for every single student.” Principal McNeil said. “She spends hours outside on her own time thinking and talking about student needs and what is important for them.”

Another colleague agreed.

“She is kind, passionate, caring, enthusiastic, understanding,” they said. “Really, any positive adjective you can think of that describes an incredible educator.”

For Richards, her dedication to education is fueled by the support of those who share her vision.

“I am very grateful to work for Cache County School District,” she said. “I feel like what has kept me in the profession as long as I have been is the feeling that I’m with a district that cares. Their priority is kids. Our district has decided that we are here for the kids, and we are going to show up for these kids, regardless of whether or not it’s convenient for us. We’re not here for us. We are all here for the kids.”