English
Teacher |
Classes |
Biography |
Department Chair - Hansen, Susan |
Room: 1825 AP English 12 B - Lunch |
Susan Hansen is a graduate of Utah State University, with a BA in English and a minor in history. She also has an MA in education. This is her twelfth year of teaching in the Jordan School District, and her sixth year at Copper Hills. She enjoys reading, walking, skiing, traveling and spending time with her family. She is passionate about teaching, and loves the kids and the community here at Copper Hills High School. |
Bucaria, Robin
Click Here for Website |
Room: 1820 AP English |
Ms. Bucaria hails from Cordova, Alaska where she learned to avoid bears when berry picking, fish for halibut commercially, and chase the northern lights. She developed a zest for adventure as she traveled the state and lived in Germany as an exchange student. Ms. Bucaria graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont with a B.A. in English and a minor in Politics, Philosophy & Law. After Middlebury, she earned a M.A. in Teaching, English Education from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She has taught English, government, debate, drama and journalism in public and private schools in Alaska, Utah and California. She has worked as a U.S. Senate Intern, a NASA curriculum developer, and an intern with a British Criminal Barrister. In addition, she has travelled to Japan, England, Australia, Italy, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Ms. Bucaria enjoys hiking, climbing, biking, snowshoeing, reading, writing, knitting and exploring. Most recently, she earned J.D. from the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah and was admitted to the Utah Bar. Publication credits include Microbial Mat Investigations (2005) available at http://microbes.arc.nasa.gov/educators/invest.html and Expanding the Definition of FAPE under NCLB: Why Courts Give FAPE the Slip and Leave it Swimming in a Sea of Alphabet Soup, 10 J.L. & FAM. Stud. (2008). Her undergraduate essay was titled, An Examination of Dreams and Waking in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream and her master’s project was a statistical analysis of the reading program at Monument Valley High School. She has presented nationally at the NASA Exobiology Principal Investigators Conference, NASA Explorer Schools, The American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, The CLMS/CLHS Technology Conference, The CLMS/CLHS Summer Institute, The Marine Biological Laboratory, The National Council of Teachers of English, and The Asilomar Reading Conference. |
Davis, Peggy |
Room 2706 English 10 & 11 A - Lunch |
Born into a military family at baby number four (and final), I have enjoyed a broad spectrum of geographical locations and schools. Born to proud parents in Dover, Delaware (after six weeks), I spent my first three years in Honolulu, Hawaii. After traveling from Hawaii to California on a cruise liner, I’ve lived in California, Louisiana, Okinawa (twice), North Carolina, New Jersey, and many other continental states. At 23, I married a United States Marine and together we traveled in the states and internationally to Japan (where I had baby number two). I am the proud mother of five boys ~ the youngest two are twins. When the twins were in 6th grade, I decided to go back to school and fulfill a long desired dream ~ to be a teacher. I graduated from Westminster College in 2008 (going back to school after being a mom was a “huge learning curve” for me). Once again, I am experiencing a huge learning curve in my life and in my new career! I am thrilled to be working as a Language Arts teacher at Copper Hills High. I want my students to know that I chose to be their teacher. I have an amazing ability (thanks to five sons) to know the hearts of my students. I enjoy each student’s talents, strengths, and challenges. I am very pleased to know you and I believe in your future. Work hard, stay focused, and keep your eye on the goal ~ graduation. You will NEVER regret the work it takes to earn your high school diploma ~ an amazing investment! |
Dempsey, Mark |
Room: 2610 English 11 |
I graduated from the University of Utah May 2001 with a B.A. in Language Arts. I received my ESL endorsement after-school during my 1st year of teaching 2001-2002. I love being with my students & seeing their expansive creativity & experiencing their cheerful kindness. I adore all the Arts (especially reading, Shakespeare, poetry & film), hanging out with my wife, basketball & swimming. I also enjoy reading, film, taking things apart (deconstruction), and watching 'The Office' and 'Big Bang Theory'. I am thrilled to be here at Copper Hills High. |
| Erickson, Tim |
I graduated from the University of Utah receiving a Bachelors of English. I studied writing at Sarah Lawrence College receiving a degree in Master of Fine Arts in Writing. I have taught at St. Vincent de Paul School and worked as a copywriter at Macy's in New York City. I have received the following awards:
I enjoy in my free time hiking, and reading and writing poetry. |
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Hawkes, Jennifer |
Room 2220 Language Arts 10 B - Lunch |
I studied English Teaching at Weber State University receiving a Bachelors of Fine Arts in English Teaching and received a degree in Psychology, and Technical Writing and Editing. I have taught at Davis High, Clearfield High, and Ben Lomond. I am an assistant girl's soccer coach at Copper Hills. I enjoy spending time with my husband and six children, playing soccer, and outdoor activities. |
Larsen, Bonnie Blackburn |
Room: 1821 English 10 B - Lunch |
Graduated from BYU with a BA in English Education. She speaks Spanish fluently and enjoys reading, writing, playing volleyball, wakeboarding, and playing games. Ms. Larsen was just married in March 2011. |
Jessop, Lou |
Room: 1801 Creative Writing B - Lunch |
This teacher has not submitted a biography. |
Miller, Wendi |
Room: 2607 Humanaties 1100 A - Lunch |
BA in Art History from the University of Utah, minor in Italian MA in Art History from the University of Utah 2008 Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Educator Award 2009 Utah Education Association Excellence in Education Award |
Olpin, Scott |
Room: 1812 English 10 B - Lunch |
"Average is being the Best of the worst, and the Worst of the best!" College: · English 12 · Full Scholarship from the University of Utah · Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and Speech Communication from the University of Utah · Minor in Physical Education and Coaching · Kappa Sigma Fraternity member · Master of Arts Degree in Journalism and Seconday Education from San Diego State University High School: · Vista High School, Vista, California · Member of National Honors Society · High School Student Body President · Key Club President · Yearbook and Newspaper staff member · Literary and Photo/ Journalism Publication staff member · Varsity letters in Football, Basketball, and Baseball –All-League and All- Tourney in Basketball . Awards: · Academic All-American (top 1% nationally) Award for Yearbook 1986 , 1987 and 1988 · Teacher of the Year Five Times · Coach of the Year Four Times · Received State and C.I.F. championship awards six times Extra- Curricular Activites: · Student Council Advisor – Newspaper Advisor—Yearbook Advisor · Sophomore, Junior and Senior Class Advisor / East Coast Trip Coordinator for over 20 years Passions/Hobbies · My wife Kimi, my 3 children (Whitney 25, Christian 22, Callie 18), Kimi's 2 daughters (Christina 32 and Audrey 30), 5 grandchildren (Madison 11, Andrea 9, Jeremiah 7, Julia 3, & Scarlett due 6/2011) · UofU Utes!!!! FOOTBALL!!!! Tailgating BBQs with the MUSS and friends! GO UTES! · Snow Skiing!!!!! · Travel · Boogey Boarding and Bowling · All Athletics “”I love teaching because it gives me an opportunity to promote the best commodity—“My Students”—which gives me great satisfaction in helping them in all aspects to succeed and achieve in life!” |
Samples, Jennifer |
Room: 1802 English 11 B - Lunch |
Miss Samples went to Utah State University and received a B.S. in Physical Education and English. She also obtained a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University. She began teaching at Bennion Junior High in the Granite School district and remained there for six years before returning to California for 6 years, teaching at Apple Valley High School. After 5 years at Apple Valley she returned to Utah to teach here at Copper Hills High School. She enjoys playing golf, basketball, wakeboarding, and working out. She teaches 11th and 12th grade Language Arts and is excited to be here at Copper Hills. GO GRIZZLIES! |
Shields, James |
Room 1314 Debate B - Lunch |
He received his B. A. in English from Westminster College, and so enjoyed his time there, he pursued his Master of Arts in Teaching at the same institution. He teaches sophomore English, mythology, and debate, and can always be seen with a coffee mug in his hand and a Beatles tune on his lips. |
Thaller, Heather |
Room: 2811 English 10 B - Lunch |
My name is Heather Thaller and I teach 10th and 11 grade at Copper Hills. I received my teaching degree from Brigham Young University. I have three beautiful children and a great husband. My favorite hobbies include reading, playing the piano, and spending time with my family. Favorite vacation spots are Bear Lake and Disney Land!. |
Watrous, Thomas |
Room: 2804 Honors English 11th C - Lunch |
Bachelor's Degree University of Utah Mr. Watrous began teaching in 1972 In Joliet Illinois. From there he moved to Salt Lake City and worked at Glendale Middle School in the Salt Lake City District. His next assignment took him to Hillcrest High School in the Jordan District. After fourteen years he spent time at Bingham, Copper Hills, Riverton and finally back to Copper Hills where he is currently teaching AP Language and Composition, English 11 Regular, and English 12 regular. |