MGES teacher spotlight

Julie Heywood grew up in American Fork, Utah. After graduating from American Fork High School, she attended Ricks College where she earned an associate degree. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in Elementary Education. 

Heywood started her teaching career 29 years ago when she taught in the preschool she owned for eight years. In the 21 years she has taught in public schools she has taught in Jordan, Alpine, Nebo, Davis, and Morgan Districts. She also taught one year in Houston Texas, and three years in Twin Falls, Idaho. In her career, she has taught preschool, first through fourth grade, and sixth grade. 

“I can’t remember not wanting to be a teacher,” said Heywood. “I have always loved working with children having six younger brothers and sisters. I would play school with them all the time. My mother was also a teacher and was constantly using her degree long after she stopped teaching. Being a teacher just came naturally to me, and I knew from a young age, I would become a teacher. I love building confidence in kids and seeing them learn new things. Watching students grow is the best feeling ever!” 

Heywood met her husband while they were both students at BYU in a Spanish class for returned missionaries. In addition, they were both teaching at the Mission Training Center. They will be celebrating 30 years of marriage this year. They have lived in Mountain Green for the past six years. “I absolutely love living here,” she said. “Growing up, I had friends in Huntsville and it was always my dream to return. My husband’s work has taken us to many places and he was transferred to Syracuse, which allowed us to move to my dream location.”

In her spare time, Heywood said she loves to hike and walk with her husband and dog. I love to be outside in nature. “I’m also a big sports fan and enjoy watching all sports. I love to cook new and healthy recipes and read books. I love traveling to new places and studying the history of them.” λ