SUU Graduate Student Named Utah’s 2025 Teacher of the Year

Southern Utah University graduate student Sayre Posey has been named Utah’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. Posey, who teaches 8th-grade history at Northwest Middle School in Salt Lake City, is known for her imaginative, hands-on approach to education. Her innovative teaching methods have earned her both regional and state-wide recognition, as well as accolades for her students.

Posey and four other finalists were honored during a banquet at the Utah State Capitol, where she received a prestigious $10,000 award. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Sayre Posey in several courses,” said Brian Ludlow, SUU professor, in a press release. “It’s inspiring to see one of our own graduates recognized for such an incredible achievement.”

As a current Master of Education student at SUU, Posey is completing her thesis, “The Impact of Project-Based Learning on Student Attitudes Towards History.” Her teaching philosophy emphasizes literacy-based social studies to inspire critical thinking and combat educational inequity.

“I love designing hands-on learning activities,” said Posey. “For example, we recently investigated a Boston Massacre crime scene before re-enacting the trial of the British soldiers. I think giving students the opportunity to experience history through active engagement generates higher student engagement and learning outcomes. It makes it memorable.”

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Posey credited her success to SUU’s resources and mentorship. “Dr. Brian Ludlow is my thesis advisor, and I love chatting with him about new ways to use AI in the classroom. I also loved my School Law class with Dr. Prent Klag,” she said.

SUU’s Master of Education program is fully online and designed to accommodate professionals in diverse educational settings. With flexible enrollment and accelerated coursework, the program supports educators like Posey in their pursuit of excellence.