MGMS Teacher Spotlights

Emily Palmer South Ogden, Utah and has lived there her whole life. She attended Ogden High School while the movie “3 o’clock High,” was being filmed there. After graduating from OHS, she attended Utah State University for two years, then went on to Weber State University where she finished her associate degree in general studies. “But, I’m still an Aggie fan!” she stated.

Choosing to stay home with her children until her youngest was in school, she was constantly working in the school, first in several PTSO presidencies and later as a Skills teacher at Uintah Elementary teaching character education.

In 2015, Woody, earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies (K-8) from Western Governors University. She will finish her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction this June.

Woody began her teaching career in the fall of 2015 at Mountain Green Elementary School teaching fifth grade. She commented, “It’s hard to believe that my first group of fifth graders are graduating from high school this year!” She continued to teach fifth grade at MGES for four years before moving to third grade for three years. She found her way back to fifth grade at the start of the 2022/2023 school when she filled a position at Mountain Green Middle School teaching fifth grade this year at MGMS. “I truly have loved my teaching experience in Morgan School District!” she said.

“I have always loved school, even as a child; I enjoy learning about new things and do a lot of self-education,” Woody said. “I also come from a long line of educators, so that was always in the back of my mind as a possible career choice. Ultimately, one might say I felt “called” to the profession; I knew it was something I wanted to do.” Several of her own children had specific learning disabilities which made school difficult, and they have always had to do extra work and studying at home. “My children always told me that I had a way of explaining things that just made sense,” she said.

“I love teaching because I love working with children. It is so awesome to see when something “clicks,” and students understand a concept, maybe for the first time. I get so excited when students are inquisitive and want to learn. I also hope to encourage the love of reading, which is the foundation for all academic success.”

Although she grew up in South Ogden, Woody has ties to Morgan County through some of her ancestors who were early settlers in both Enterprise and Croydon. “Coming up the canyon often as a child, I now feel ‘at home’ here,” she said.

Woody has been married to her husband, Quinn, for 29 years. Together they have four children. Two of their children are married and have given them three grandchildren with another one on the way!

In her spare time, Woody LOVES to read, usually reading about 100 books a year. She also loves to go to the movies or musicals, play the piano, sing, and do fun things with my family. λ