Music, Movement, and Learning: South Cache Middle School’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year

Mindy Brown’s enthusiasm for teaching and strong connections with her students have earned her the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year award for South Cache Middle School! Her decision to become a teacher was inspired by the incredible educators she had growing up, with one particular memory standing out from the rest.

“I still remember a quadratic rap I learned in high school, which sparked my interest in incorporating music and movement into my own teaching,” she says. “I’ve always been passionate about helping others learn and grow, so I knew from a young age that teaching was the right path for me.”

Brown’s unique, musical teaching style is both fun and effective for students, making her classroom a bright and energetic place. With more than nine years of teaching experience, she is able to make each student feel like a rock star by showing excitement for every step of progress they make. Answer one question? High five. Answer two? Mrs. Brown does a happy dance. "Are you kidding me?!" she beams to a student who completed an assignment. "You are a rock star! Will you slow down? I can't keep up with you!" The student, shy by nature, blossoms under the attention. It is obvious, even at a glance, that Brown's students find in her one of their greatest cheerleaders.

“I just want them to know that they can do it!” Brown shared. “Everyone needs someone in their corner.”

Through her kind and encouraging personality, Brown is able to make meaningful connections with both students and parents. Her great communication skills and passion for learning are just a few of the reasons why she’s such an exceptional educator — qualities that do not go unnoticed by her colleagues and administrators.

“Mindy does such a fantastic job of getting to know all of her students and staying connected with them throughout the year,” says South Cache Principal Randy Bennion. “She is always singing and dancing in her lessons so that her students are engaged and will always remember what is being taught.”

For Brown, enthusiastically supporting her students is meant to help them see their own potential. “My favorite part of teaching is helping students reach those ‘lightbulb’ moments when concepts start to click, and they can make meaningful connections,” she shares. “I also enjoy building students’ confidence in math, because I truly believe that every student is capable of learning math at a high level.”

Thank you, Mindy, for your unwavering dedication to our students! South Cache is a brighter place because of the light you bring each day.