WOODS CROSS—When Woods Cross High School teacher and swim coach Andrew Bird came into the auditorium on May 19, he thought it was for a pep assembly for the swim team. He had no idea he was the one being celebrated until he was called up on stage by his family and told he had been named the Davis School District Teacher of the Year. 

“He has absolute, total commitment to his students,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Logan Toone. “He loves them, he gives time to them. He spends nights and weekends working for them.”

In addition to the honor, Bird received a one-year lease, maintenance and insurance coverage on a new Kia Sportage from Young Automotive Group and Goldenwest Credit Union.

“Bird” as he’s known by most people at Woods Cross has been teaching for seven years but still considers himself new to the profession, coming into education after beginning a career in health sciences.  Bird uses that knowledge to teach topics such as medical anatomy and other health sciences. He manages to maintain both careers, teaching all week then on the weekends working at the hospital. If that’s not enough, Bird is also the swim coach.

The Teacher of the Year is chosen by the district from the 30 Best of Davis Award winners, the district’s employee recognition program. Best of Davis Awardees are selected from nominations submitted by coworkers, supervisors, parents and students. Abel Chomjak, a Woods Cross student and member of the swim team nominated Bird for the honor.

“Despite his doubtlessly insane personal life, he never talks about his own problems and rarely lets a bad day ruin his demeanor or how he treats other people,” said Chomjak. “Everyone that interacts with Bird comes away, not only happier, but a better person as they see his example and wisdom.”

As Teacher of the Year, Bird will represent the district at the state level. “Every year we select one among 4,000 who exemplifies what it means to be a teacher,” said Toone. “He’s a phenomenal teacher, a phenomenal coach, he just does exactly what his kids need all the time and we love him and are proud of him.” l