Amanda Muffler of Uintah High School has been selected as one of 10 winners of the Utah Education Association Excellence in Education Award, according to a notice from the school.
Muffler was nominated for the award by Aaryn Birchell, a UHS English teacher and Uintah County Education Association President, who stated that Muffler's leadership, innovation, and compassion exemplify the best of the profession.
As the 10th-grade English team lead at UHS, Muffler implemented an innovative intervention system that resulted in accelerated student growth. Birchell noted that the success of this system led other departments within the school to adopt the framework.
Birchell stated that Muffler innovates to ensure every student has access to meaningful progress rather than for recognition. Muffler's work also includes the Utah Teacher Fellows program, which serves to amplify teacher voices at state and national levels. Her contribution, titled "5 Small Classroom Changes for Big Rewards," was featured in Education Week.
Birchell praised Muffler for her advocacy for students, particularly those who feel unseen or marginalized. Birchell noted that Muffler has a rare ability to connect authentically with young people and create classrooms rooted in belonging and dignity.
Birchell also highlighted Muffler's support for students following the passing of two classmates in separate incidents during the last school year. Birchell stated that Muffler navigated that period with compassion, resilience, and grace, balancing academic expectations with humanity.
Muffler is scheduled to be honored at the UEA Banterra Bank Superstars in Education Awards Banquet on Sept. 11 in Sandy.
