Davis School District celebrates new teachers ahead of school year

FARMINGTON, Utah — On Tuesday, hundreds of Davis School District educators made their way through a pep rally of sorts — not for an upcoming game or something along those lines, but rather for the new school year.

The goal was to inspire new teachers.

This year, Davis School District is welcoming 300 new educators Tuesday and Wednesday.

Close up of the drum line! 🥁

let’s go!! 📣 @KSL5TV @DavisSchools @Derek_Photog pic.twitter.com/i5LuX6HWOj

— Karah Brackin (@KB_ON_TV) August 9, 2022

Sidney Blair, who will start her teaching career as a fourth-grade teacher in the district, said she is excited.

Davis School District Elementary Mentor Supervisor Allison Riddle agreed that while January may signal the start of a new year, August does too.

“It’s our start to the year,” Riddle said.

Cheerleaders, teachers holding signs and clapping, as well as student body members and others in the community gathered for the new, local educators, who will be taking on their first days of school soon and changing students’ lives.

“It makes me feel so appreciated. I really appreciate it,” said new sixth-grade teacher Sara Mindenbowser.

“These teachers on the first day of school and the first week: they already are invested,” Riddle said.

For Katie Himes, who will start as a first-year teacher teaching second grade at Bolton Elementary School, that investment started years ago.

“Since I was young, I wanted to be a teacher. So me and my best friend used to teach in my basement. A big step up!” said Himes.

From the classroom, back to the classroom, this time, these students turned teachers will be the ones up front.

“I think it will be nice to not bounce with teaching and school. It’ll be really good to just focus on the classroom,” said Mindenbowser.

Teachers are becoming the students as they hear from inspirational and informational speakers. ✏️

The superintendent spoke this am about how teachers will change lives:

“When I became a teacher, students changed my life.” 👨‍🏫@KSL5TV @Derek_Photog @DavisSchools pic.twitter.com/NFoiMNY1KU

— Karah Brackin (@KB_ON_TV) August 9, 2022

Following the celebratory welcome, the new educators sat in on a keynote, followed by informational and inspirational sessions for the district’s new education orientation.

“We want them to leave confident and supported and know that people care about the work they do in their classrooms,” said Riddle.

Elementary educators took part in Tuesday’s orientation, and secondary teachers will hold their orientation on Wednesday.