SUU Student Sadie Houston Soars Towards Her Teaching Dreams
Published: August 12, 2025 | Author: Clare-Estelle Perkins | Read Time: 4 minutes
CEDAR CITY, UT – Southern Utah University (SUU) is proud to provide its students with unique opportunities and a supportive environment where they can truly thrive. Elementary Education student Sadie Houston is an example of a T-Bird who is not just succeeding, but "soaring" towards her professional goals at SUU.
Originally from Richfield, Utah, Houston chose SUU for its small class sizes and the personalized interactions she has with her professors.
"I love that your interactions with your professors are one-on-one and they know your names," said Houston.
The close-knit atmosphere, combined with the "small-town feel" and abundant opportunities, made SUU the perfect place for her to pursue her passion for education.
One of the standout resources that has significantly impacted Houston's journey is the Production Lab, a comprehensive teacher workroom stocked with everything an aspiring educator could need. She appreciates the practical support available to education majors.
"They have everything you could possibly need for anything you're teaching, from kindergarten to sixth grade," Houston said.
While Houston initially considered nursing, her path shifted as she realized her love for teaching others and working with children. This realization blossomed within SUU's Elementary Education program, where she immediately felt a sense of belonging.
"As I entered the education program at SUU, I immediately found my place. I knew this is where I was supposed to be. It just felt right, and everything just started to click," says Houston.
SUU's commitment to practical experience sets its education program apart. Unlike many universities where classroom experience is limited to student teaching, SUU integrates it from the very beginning.
"SUU has prepared me to be a teacher in the way that it gets us into the classroom before we finish our bachelor's degree," Houston said. "Through my freshman to sophomore years of college, I've been in the classroom every single semester, and it's been a really good experience because I've gotten to experience the different grade levels and how those are taught, how to manage those different grade levels. And I even have had the opportunity to teach in those different grade levels."
This "practical experience from day one" allows students like Houston to gain invaluable hands-on learning alongside experienced mentor teachers.
The support from faculty has also been instrumental in Houston's growth. She fondly remembers a professor who remembered her by name even after a year and a half, illustrating the genuine care and connection between faculty and students at SUU. This personal touch extends to her current mentor teacher, who provides a supportive environment for learning and growth.
"My mentor teacher right now has really given me the experience and opportunity to fail. And I think that's a good thing, because I got to learn what it means to teach students and how to adjust my teaching," Houston said.
Looking ahead, Houston is eager to apply her knowledge and make a difference in the lives of her future students.
"I really, truly want to make a difference in people's lives. I want to be that for students, because the truth, the sad truth is, is that not every student has a perfect home life. And so if I can be someone who gives them hope in the world, that is all I really need." While open to opportunities, Houston hopes to eventually teach third or fourth grade in southern Utah.
Houston's advice to future SUU students is to take advantage of every opportunity SUU offers, be proactive, and not to put anything off. She herself has embraced this philosophy, actively participating in her program's activities and building connections with future colleagues.
For Houston, the defining characteristic of her education at SUU is the "one-on-one" attention she receives. This personalized approach has given her confidence and the skills necessary to effectively lead a classroom.
"I know my professors and I feel like my professors know me, and it's really helped me to succeed," she said.
With ambition and a clear vision for her future, Sadie Houston is a shining example of how students at Southern Utah University are empowered to reach new heights. Her journey speaks to SUU's commitment to student success and its ability to cultivate passionate and well-prepared graduates who are ready to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Learn more about Sadie and her experience with SUU’s Education Program.
About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students realize their potential through personalized mentorship from people dedicated to helping them soar. SUU proudly boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1 and celebrates a 94% placement rate. Offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, SUU provides hands-on, career-focused learning to prepare students for the future. Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU’s safe and vibrant campus offers a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels supported and inspired by both the natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Whether on campus or online, SUU provides an education that is competitively priced and highly valued, giving students the skills and confidence to thrive in any professional setting. This is where students soar.
Tags: Education T-Bird Stories Prospective Students College of Education and Human Development Academic
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu