Twenty years in the books: Jill Hall, Birch Creek’s Teacher of the Year, engages students in active literacy learning

 

Jill Hall and students

 

Jill Hall’s second-grade classroom at Birch Creek Elementary is covered with wall-to-wall phonics, vocabulary, writing, sight words, and reference materials for her students. She has loved teaching language arts throughout her twenty-year career. For twelve years, she served as a reading aide for CCSD teachers. In 2016, Hall switched to full-time classroom teaching. She empowers her students to find the joys of learning to read and write using drills, practice work, and games.

 

Hall’s students are her driving motivation. 

 

“My favorite part of teaching is seeing students grow and develop throughout the school year,” she said. “They inspire me to be the best teacher I can be.” 

 

Jill Hall and students     Jill Hall

 

Birch Creek Principal Trudy Wilson praised Hall’s dedication as a teacher. 

 

“Jill deserves this award because of the work and effort that she puts in for her students each day. She often stays late to make sure that she is ready for the next day. Jill works hard, and it shows. Her students are well-prepared for their next school year.”

 

Hall earned her degree in Elementary Education at Utah State University. She continues to enrich the lives of her young students with her thoughtful lesson planning and genuine warmth.

 

“I want my students to succeed both collectively and individually,” she said. “It may be hectic sometimes, but I love my students. Teaching is a gift.”