Derek is a husband, father of two active children, and 4th grade teacher in Southern Utah who loves working with student and other teachers. He’s also a self-described tech addict, former bass player in many small bands, and a devoted friend.
He was awarded the 2014 UCET Outstanding Young Educator of the Year, an award presented to an outstanding young educator, in the first ten years of their teaching career, who demonstrates vision, innovation, action, and transformation using technology to improve teaching and learning.
Derek is a moderator for #UTedChat, an education chat focused on Utah educators which happens every Wednesday @ 9pm MDT. Come on by and join the conversation, non-Utahns are welcome as well.
Derek earned his B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Dixie State University and a M.Ed. degree with an emphasis in Educational Technology from Southern Utah University. He is currently finishing his Administrative Endorsement, also from SUU, to pursue an interest in school administration.
He is a regular presenter at educational conferences around the state of Utah and loves meeting new teachers and learning from them. Derek also serves as a member of the SUECON Committee and the UCET Board which he really enjoys because he can help plan events that help educators learn and grow in an effective form of professional development.
