On Wednesday, the Uintah School District announced Uintah Middle School science teacher Jason Pierce as its Teacher of the Year and Naples Elementary librarian/media specialist Elisabeth Balch as its Classified Employee of the Year.
“We had an outstanding group of nominees for these awards again this year, which is a tribute to the high-quality people who serve our students,” Uintah School District Superintendent Dr. Rick Woodford said.
“Jason and Elisabeth were selected from this exceptional pool of nominees because of their dedication to helping our students reach their full individual potential,” Woodford said. “I’m proud of the work they do, I’m grateful they are part of Team Uintah and I congratulate them both on this well-deserved recognition.”
Pierce has taught in the Uintah School District for 11 years. He currently teaches 6th grade science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and serves as the head of the UMS Science Department. Pierce also coaches the UMS Science Bowl Team and serves as a member of the district’s Science Curriculum Selection Committee and the Utah State Regional Science Fair Planning Committee. When he’s not in the classroom, he serves as a fisheries biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and a field biologist with Frontier Resources. He has coached youth sports in the past and served as the UMS Science Club advisor from 2018-2020.
“My teaching philosophy revolves around the belief that every student possesses the potential to learn, given the appropriate tools for success,” Pierce said. “As an educator, I have the responsibility of not only sharing scientific knowledge, but also teaching valuable life skills. This includes teaching resilience and grit in the face of setbacks, fostering unity and collaborative teamwork, and encouraging lifelong learning.”
UMS Principal Sharon Shipton praised Pierce for his high expectations for students and his engaging approach to teaching science.
“Jason is a teacher who ‘walks the walk’ when it comes to knowing all students can learn,” Shipton said. “He is a positive advocate for kids and education and his enthusiasm rubs off on those around him.”
Pierce uses a variety of approaches to teach science, which keeps kids engaged in his classrooms.
“Integrating activities such as robotics, STEM projects and guest speakers from the science community are some of the ways Jason keeps his students motivated,” Shipton said. “He even taught his kids a ‘weather song’ accompanied by dance moves to help them understand weather concepts. He is a valuable asset to my staff, and I consider him one of my best leaders in the building.”
Balch has worked for the district for 15 years, serving first as a computer specialist at Naples Elementary before becoming the school’s librarian/media specialist in 2011. She also serves as an advisor to the school’s student council and is a member of the Naples Elementary Reading and Art committees. Outside of school, Balch is active in her church. She has helped organize food drives, fed the homeless and serves on the Agent Stake Operating Committee for Deseret Industries. She has also served as a Scout leader and been a member of the Uintah County Fair Committee.
“Elisabeth is an individual who goes above and beyond in everything she does,” Naples Elementary Principal Deanna Martineau said. “She is the first person to jump in when there is a need at the school. She trains staff on the workroom machines and fills in for the secretaries with evening events. She is committed to the school, the staff, and the students.”
Former Naples Elementary Principal Debbie Chatham also praised Balch in a letter to the selection committee.
“Whether Elisabeth was working with students, parents, staff or district leadership, she always handled things with a positive attitude and with professionalism,” Chatham wrote. “Most importantly, she did it with integrity and with a focus on always doing her best.”
Pierce and Balch will be honored at the district’s Employee Recognition Banquet on May 2 at the Uintah Conference Center. Pierce is the district's nominee for Utah Teacher of the Year.