State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson today named John Arthur, a Salt Lake Education Association member and sixth grade teacher at Meadowlark Elementary School as 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year.

John Arthur, a sixth grade teacher at Meadowlark Elementary in the Salt Lake City School District.

Arthur, of Bluffdale, was presented with a check for $10,000 and will compete with his state fellow teachers of the year in a national competition. He will participate in a number of state and national leadership opportunities.

Jordan Education Association member and Copper Hills High School American Sign Language teacher Rae Boren and Eastmont Middle School (Canyons School District) Career and Technical Education teacher Emma Moss were each named runners up and will receive $4,000.

A committee with representatives from the Utah Education Association, the Utah State Board of Education, the Utah State Charter School Board, parents, principals and 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year Lauren E. Merkley selected Arthur from among local teachers of the year for the honor.

Emma Moss, Career and Technical Education teacher at Eastmont Middle School in the Canyons School District

“He is not a normal teacher,” wrote Felicia Raybourne, the mother of one of Arthur’s former pupils. “He is there to help kids through life. He makes sure his students understand everything they are learning no matter how much extra time it takes. Mr. Arthur took my daughter to chess and debate tournaments, opportunities I never thought she’d have. She also learned to take school seriously, and now she enjoys school so much.”

“John works tirelessly to improve his teaching craft,” wrote Meadowlark Assistant Principal Wayne Culley. “He tutors students before and after school no matter which grade or school they are enrolled in. He helps future students in younger grades, students from

Northwest (Middle School) and the high schools. Students and families know his generosity, love, and dedication. He believes in all students no matter their past or current struggles.”

Arthur succeeds Merkley, a Granite Education Association member and English teacher at Cottonwood High School, as 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year.

Rae Boren, American Sign Language teacher at Copper Hills High School in the Jordan School District.