My lifetime ambition has been to emulate the superb example of those who taught me. As a Presidential Awardee, I would deem it necessary to share this honor with them and the many unsung teachers who strive every day to enrich the lives of the children they teach. We teachers all endeavor to do our best. I am humbled and absolutely thrilled that my best could elicit this prestigious tribute. To me this award means that I have made a difference in the lives of my students and colleagues.

Janet Sutorius Nephi, UT | 7-12, Mathematics, 2009

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Janet Sutorius has taught at Juab High School for 23 years. In 1996, she became the head of the Mathematics Department. At that time, Janet launched the high school's mathematics concurrent enrollment program with Snow College. To date, more than 1,200 students in this small rural high school have graduated with college credit in advanced mathematics. In the last 4 years, Janet has written two grants aimed at improving mathematics instruction and achievement in the Juab School District and has personally brought three-quarters of a million dollars into the district. In addition, Janet created the Juab/North Sanpete Cohort in alliance with Southern Utah University. This cohort has made it possible for 25 teachers in the two districts to earn master's degrees in elementary mathematics instruction. In 2005, Janet was honored by the Utah Council of Teachers of Mathematics with the George Shell Award for Excellence in Secondary Mathematics. The award cited her contributions to State professional development, where she has helped create and teach several cutting-edge professional development courses. Janet has a B.A. and an M.S. in Mathematics Education from Brigham Young University. She is certified as a secondary mathematics teacher.

Know a great teacher like Janet Sutorius? Nominate them for PAEMST!