SUU Alumnus Named CHS Teacher of the Year
Published: June 29, 2020 | Author: Savannah Byers | Read Time: 2 minutes
Zac Trotter, a Southern Utah University graduate, is honored to have been named Cedar High School’s 2019 Teacher of the Year. Trotter earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from SUU, and has been teaching at CHS since 2014.
“Mr. Trotter truly exemplifies our Iron County School District theme for 2019-20: Remember, Every child, every day: Whatever it Takes,” said Iron County School District Superintendent, Shannon Dulaney. “Zac's positive nature and "can do" spirit are infectious, and evident in the exemplary service he gives and the work he does with students, faculty, staff and families. I appreciate Mr. Trotter, and I am a better educator because of my association with him.”
Trotter, originally from Lehi, Utah, first fell in love with SUU after attending the High School Shakespeare Competition on campus. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Theater Arts with an emphasis in Directing and a minor in Communication: Broadcasting in 2013.
During his time as an undergraduate, Trotter both founded and served as the first Artistic Director for Second Studio. Second Studio is the student production organization of the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance. It explores acting, dancing, and producing outside the major department productions.
In 2012, through the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Trotter was assistant director for the productions of “Les Miserables” and “To Kill A Mockingbird”. That same year, he directed the West-Coast Premiere of Edgar Allan Poe’s “Nevermore the Musical” with Second Studio.
After graduation, Trotter became a teacher at CHS, and later decided to return to SUU to earn his Master of Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Art Administration and Education. SUU’s Master of Interdisciplinary Studies degree provides an opportunity for students to build a graduate degree from three disciplines, resulting in a unique interdisciplinary experience.
“I love that I am able to create a degree that is specifically tailored to what I need to improve as a theatre teacher, and to become qualified to further my career,” Trotter said.
“Zac’s been a definite asset to our MIS degree,” said Dr. Cynthia Kimball-Davis, program director of the MIS degree at SUU. His enthusiasm, creativity, and talent have greatly benefited our program. He knew exactly what he wanted to study and what his goals were. We’re so proud of him, but we weren’t surprised when he was selected as CHS’s Teacher of the Year.”
Trotter earned the Teacher of the Year award for his teaching efforts and accomplishments at CHS. He currently teaches Acting, Stagecraft, Film, and Student Government in addition to directing 3-4 plays each year.
This past year, the CHS Homecoming Parade was reestablished, and a new mascot was introduced. Trotter’s efforts in building school spirit with these items is another reason he qualified to earn this award.
SUU’s Master of Interdisciplinary Studies degree allows students to develop an individualized program of study. Students can tailor their 30 credits to personal passions and career objectives. Learn more about the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies program at SUU.
Tags: Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Programs