“Nothing Part-Time About His Heart”: North Cache Middle School’s Teacher of the Year

It is a rare person indeed who can transition from 30 years as a microbiologist to a middle school Spanish teacher. But that is precisely what Craig Day, North Cache Middle School’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year, has done! 

Principal Ryan Webb laughed as he praised Day. “I’m in a unique position here,” he said. “Craig took over my job! And, what’s more, it has been a lot of fun to watch him work."

Day’s journey to the front of the classroom was a winding one. Originally inspired by his parents—both educators—and a handful of impactful high school teachers, Day earned his degrees and teaching license in biology and Spanish. He initially planned to work as a microbiologist for “just a couple of years.” Thirty years later, Day returned to the classroom bringing a lifetime of experience with him. Now in his sixth year with the Bulldogs, he has found his calling.

"I love the students, being a part of their positive energy, and how kind and accepting they have been to this lame old grandpa," Day shared. 

Although his own reflections are deeply humble and self-effacing, one need only visit his classroom to understand how his students’ kindness and acceptance reflect the way he treats them each day. 

In his classroom, every student is valued. He starts his study hall every day by showing a clip from the beloved film, “The Help.” In it, a loving maid holds a small child close and says, “You is kind, you is smart, and you is important.” The child then repeats the phrase back to her. “I is kind, I is smart, and I is important.”

Mr. Day had the students repeat the words with him, and then gave them a “pop quiz”. He walked around the room and pointed to each student. They had to say one of the three affirmations aloud as a personal affirmation. The students groaned and acted like they were “too cool” for such things. 

However, it was obvious, both to the thirteen-year-olds and to a casual observer, that Mr. Day deeply meant it. He values his students not by grades or the quality of their homework, but simply because they are human beings. He sees their worth, he sees their potential, and he yearns for them to see it, too. What a profound sentiment for middle schoolers, who so often question their own identity and sense of belonging.

Mr. Day’s fellow educators note that he has walked through some incredibly difficult seasons of his own while teaching. Yet, instead of closing himself off, those experiences seemed to expand his heart even more. He leans directly into empathy and shows up for others with unmatched strength.

One colleague described his work beautifully in a letter:

At 5:00 p.m., when most of the campus is quiet and the sun is getting ready to set, you can still see the light on in Building Number Four. Inside, a teacher is working and working. He is fine-tuning lesson plans, writing feedback, putting up decorations, and brainstorming ideas—always thinking about how to make tomorrow better than today.

The next morning, that same room is alive. Students are bursting with excitement, hands flying into the air, practically fighting for the chance to answer questions. Laughter fills the space, and curiosity sparks in every corner. It doesn't just sound like learning; it sounds like joy.

Even though this is a part-time position, there is absolutely nothing part-time about the heart behind it. This teacher works tirelessly to create unforgettable experiences for his students. He is meticulous, he is thorough, and he is deeply dedicated. Most importantly, he cares truly and wholeheartedly. That teacher is Mr. Day.

What a fitting tribute to a teacher with a profound impact. He is more than a good teacher– he is a good man. Thank you, Mr. Day, for showing up for our students. You is kind. You is smart. And you is important.