Spring Creek Teacher of the Year Dee Downs motivates students to learn at high levels
Congratulations to physical education teacher, Dee Downs, who has been named Spring Creek Middle School’s 2020-21 Teacher of the Year! Downs’ contagious joy and ability to connect with colleagues and students make him well deserving of this award. Through example, he teaches the importance of a growth mindset and helps his students learn at high levels in every aspect of their education--and he does it all with a smile on his face.
Erica Smith, fellow PE teacher at Spring Creek, believes that it is the connections that Downs creates with all of his students that make him such a great asset to the school. “He helps students that just need that extra little push, help getting organized, or just someone to motivate them to want to improve,” Smith said. Whether he is working with physical education, the lunch program, or teaching, Downs goes above and beyond to help students accomplish their goals and overcome obstacles.
A Smithfield native and Sky View alumnus, Downs grew up in a family of teachers. Both of his parents worked in education, and he and his sister both took that route. Downs considered his dad, Chad Downs--a former CCSD teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent--to be an important inspiration in his life. He said that his father’s positive and happy influence touched all those around him. Downs aspires to have those same qualities.
After graduating from Utah State University with a degree in secondary education with a social studies composite emphasis, Downs worked at Mt. Logan Middle School for two years before joining Spring Creek in 2016. An active person who enjoys golfing, riding dirt bikes, and sports in general, Downs received his PE endorsement soon after graduating. He now works as a PE, Educational Skills, and Work Completion teacher for Spring Creek.
Both students and colleagues alike have felt Downs’ influence. Spring Creek’s Math Department Head John Sanchez said that he and Downs became fast friends when Downs joined the Spring Creek family five years ago. They served on many of the same school committees and even planned, began, and completed their master’s degrees in administration at the same time. Sanchez appreciated Downs’ tremendous support to him through his encouragement, motivation, and sense of humor. It is this sense of humor, as well as personal integrity, that draws people to Downs.
“I especially appreciate Dee for his kindness,” Sanchez further explains. “He always leaves you feeling better than you did. His catchphrase is ‘see you in a minute’ which leaves you wondering if he is actually coming back in a minute. Students enjoy his jovial character and know that he expects them to perform at high levels.”
Downs strongly believes that all students can learn at high levels. One of the most important things he teaches his students is to have a growth mindset. He wants them to understand that no matter what they are confronted with, they can always accomplish the task--it is just a willingness of the mindset.
Downs understands that PE can be frustrating to a lot of students because it pushes them outside their comfort zone, causing some students to shut down. To overcome this, Downs teaches his students to have grit and work through whatever challenges they face. “I want them to come into my class and tell themselves, ‘I am going to accomplish this today, and I am not going to give up until I accomplish it,’” Downs explained. “Even when they are not comfortable working with a team, I want them to figure out why things aren’t going right. Is it the defense? The offense? By developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while working as a team, students can solve problems and accomplish difficult things.”
Principal Blair Powell agrees that Downs’ positive attitude and genuine kindness make him a joy to work with. “I would say that one of the traits that set him apart is how he is such a cheerleader with kids,” Powell elaborated. “He sincerely believes in them and their abilities and can often get students who have given up to try again. With his colleagues, he is patient and willing to listen and is always looking for ways that he can help. He is well-regarded as an innovator in the school and is constantly looking to improve.” Downs doesn’t just look out for his own students, but he is looking out for all students and faculty at Spring Creek.