When John Sanchez began studying for his bachelor’s degree at Utah State University 26 years ago, he had dreams of becoming a civil engineer. He enjoyed math, and it seemed like a natural path. But after two years, Sanchez had a realization.

 

“It wasn’t a good fit,” he said. “I liked the math, but I wanted to be more active in working with other people. I wanted to challenge them and challenge myself. So, I forgot about civil engineering and got into education.”

 

After earning his degree in elementary education, Sanchez was hired to teach at the same school where he had completed his student-teaching placement. Now, 21 years later, he’s still teaching in that same classroom—and he knows he made the right choice.

 

“I just enjoy knowing that I have a chance to influence somebody else,” Sanchez said. “I have a chance to teach these students mathematics, and also to teach them how to be good citizens. The fun part about teaching math is seeing students working together and doing math collaboratively as a group.”

 

   

 

Principal Blair Powell praised Sanchez’s impact on his students. “John is absolutely amazing with students,” Powell said. “We often hear from his students that he’s their favorite teacher. He’s funny, kind, smart, and explains things in a way that they really understand.”

 

Sanchez credits his students with inspiring him to continually improve. “The students motivate me to prepare good lessons,” he said. "It’s good to take a look at what they have learned and what they haven’t, and then the progress that they make or don’t make motivates me to go back and review and help these kids succeed. I love that challenge. And, the age group! This age group is just wonderful. I love it because they’re just trying to find themselves.”

 

While Sanchez has taught a variety of subjects over the years, he currently teaches math, his favorite subject.

 

“I love mathematics. I love the challenge of it!" Sanchez shared. "Honestly, math is hard for the kids, right? It’s math! So, I’m trying to teach my students something that challenges them deeper than probably any other subject, in my opinion.” 

 

For Sanchez, the best part of teaching is seeing his students rise to that challenge.