Our Educator of the Week is Keri Graybill of Granite Park Junior High, who also happens to be the 2014 Granite School District Teacher of the Year.

Keri was recognized by the Granite board of education this week for her instructional expertise and devotion to student learning. As an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teacher, Keri instills the values of critical thinking, literacy, and hard work in her students.

“I love learning and I love junior high kids,” Keri said of her teaching career. “You put learning and teenagers together and the results are amazing.”

Keri has earned the respect of her fellow staff members by practicing what she preaches every day.

“Perhaps the greatest compliment I could give Keri is that when it comes to who I’d want to teach my son or daughter, I’d want them in her class,” said Granite Park principal Daniel Stirland.

Gobs of students past and present are quick to point out how Keri has helped her pupils realize their potential. Here’s what a few of them had to say:

“Ms. Graybill is like a second mom to me; always believing in me and pushing me far past my limits.” – Claudia C.

“Ms. Graybill has inspired me to get started on my plans for my future. She has seen the strength in me to make my dreams become reality. I am thankful for the time I’ve spent with her.” – Hawa D.

“Ms. Graybill made leaving junior high extremely hard because we couldn’t take her with us. She is truly one of a kind!” – Juana A.

“Ms. Graybill was not only a wonderful teacher to me, she was my connection, inspiration, advisor to achieve something greater. It was thanks to her that I began to gain confidence in myself and believed anything was possible; and for that is what got me to what I am today, and what will get me to where I want to be tomorrow. Thank you so much, Ms. Graybill, for what you do for your students.” – *Marisol P.

*Marisol is currently attending the University of Utah on an academic scholarship. She is a first generation college student.