Congratulations to Sarah Vazquez, who has been named Greenville Elementary's Teacher of the Year!
Sarah Vazquez, Greenville Elementary School’s 2022-23 Teacher of the Year, has her dream job teaching sixth-grade math. She uses technology in her classroom to create interactive lessons, track her students’ progress in real-time, encourage collaboration, allow students to ask questions, make learning fun through games and activities, use manipulatives on computers, and so much more.
“I love integrating technology and seeing how we can track data, improve scores, and help the struggling kids. These are the 21st-century skills that are so essential. It’s the STEM—the direction that education is going,” Vazquez explained.
A student herself, Sarah Vazquez’s passion for lifelong learning and caring for those around her creates a classroom environment that cultivates success in her students. Inspired by her mother, who got her Master’s, and father, who earned his Ph.D., Vazquez is currently pursuing her own Master’s degree in Education and Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences online, while teaching full-time.
“My dad always said to get as much education as you can. So, my goal was to get my doctorate like my dad and follow his example. I’ve always wanted to do it because education has always been important to me,” Vazquez expressed. “ I love being a lifelong learner and learning about everything there is to be a better teacher and a better human.”
Vazquez’s journey to teaching has been different than most educators. After pursuing a degree in music, Vazquez spent ten years working at an insurance company, working up the corporate ladder into management. She also taught private violin and piano lessons. After volunteering in her children’s classrooms, Vazquez realized she wanted to work in education and went back to school for a degree in Elementary Education. Initially teaching sixth grade in Alpine School District, Vazquez moved to Cache Valley two years ago to start working on her Master’s at USU.
A passion for education is not the only thing influenced by Vazquez’s parents. “My sweet mother was a teacher a long time ago, and all she ever cared about was helping others,” Vazquez expressed. “She taught me the value of looking at a person as a whole person, and so I don’t just see these kids as a math student for an hour and a half—they’re little humans.”
According to Principal Stephanie Adams, “Sarah is an amazing educator who truly cares about each and every child and all of their needs.” Adams is inspired by how Vazquez goes out of her way to support her students not just in learning, but also with physical needs like shoes, food for lunch, or a warm jacket for recess.
“I’m happy to help wherever I can because everybody deserves somebody watching out for them. I want these kids to know how much they’re loved. I tell them all the time, ‘You are loved and important.’” Vazquez continued. “It’s important that they know somebody cares about them, they’re valued, and they matter.”