Ms. Michelle Chester
English 8/ Utah Studies
Work Phone: 385-646-5144
Work Email: mchester@graniteschools.org
- Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University, 2005; Major: Secondary Education History Teaching, Minor: Political Science Teaching
- Post-Baccalaureate Studies Endorsement from Brigham Young University, 2008; Major: English Teaching
- Master of Education from Utah State University, 2017; Major: Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences with an Emphasis in Library Media Specialties
- Endorsements: History, English, Political Science, Library Media Specialist
- Educator since 2005
- Churchill Junior High since 2010
- Ms. Chester started her teaching career unconventionally in human resources; she was a hiring and education specialist for Macey’s Food Stores/Associated Foods for several years. Before coming to Granite School District, Ms. Chester also taught World Civilizations at The Art Institute of Salt Lake City. Ms. Chester worked at Granite Park Junior High and Eisenhower Junior High before making her way to Churchill. In her various teaching positions, Ms. Chester has taught 7th, 8th, and 9th grade English; Utah Studies; United States History; World Civilizations; and Debate. She is also the Churchill Debate Coach. Ms. Chester has also taught community education classes in interior design and various crafts including jewelry making, handmade cards, scrapbooking, sewing, painting, and wood decor.
Mrs. Laurel Myers
6th Grade English Teacher
Work Phone: (385) 646-1823
Personal Email: ltmyers@graniteschools.org
- Bachelor of Science; Elementary Education – 2007 from University of Idaho
- Gifted Endorsement – Utah State University
- Educator since 2007
- Churchill since August 2017
- Mrs. Myers returned to school once her children were all in school. She taught reading and math to gifted 3rd, 4th and 5th graders for three years while living in Northern Idaho. She then moved on to teach in a 5th grade general class. During this experience, she was awarded “Teacher of the Year” at her school. In 2012 Mrs. Myers started teaching Language Arts at Oakridge Elementary. She has also taught a 3rd Grade Magnet class at Morningside. Before teaching, Mrs. Myers taught dance in her own studio. She also enjoys running, playing with her grandkids and attending sports events. She loves teaching and is energized by watching students learn and grow.
Mrs. Laura Pratt
6th Grade English
Work Email: lepratt@graniteschools.org
- Bachelor of Arts from the University of Utah, 1994; Major: English, Minor: Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies
- Masters in Education, Culture, and Society from the University of Utah, 2017, with teaching endorsements in History, English Language Arts, and ESL
- Attended Higher Education Classes in Cairo, Egypt and Fez, Morocco
- Ms. Pratt began her career in grassroots international development in Utah, Kenya, and India, where she worked she worked with several primary and secondary schools. After leaving development work, Ms. Pratt worked in the independent film industry for a decade as a coordinator, writer, script supervisor, and producer in Utah, California, Maine, Puerto Rico, New York, and New Jersey. She has taken literary workshops from world famous authors and has published short YA fiction. In 2014 she returned to school and received her Master’s Degree in Education in 2017. As she pursues excellence in teaching, she also continues to hone her craft as a writer.
Mrs. Julie Tarbet
Enlish 7 / 8
Work Phone: 385-646-5144
Work Email: jtarbet@graniteschools.org
- Bachelor of Science from Utah State University, 1988; Composite English Major
- Master of Educational Studies from University of Utah, 1995
- GT endorsement from Utah State University, 1993
- Library Media endorsement from Utah State University, 1998
- Educator since 1988
- Churchill Jr. High School since August 2000
- Mrs. Tarbet began her career at Evergreen Junior High. During her twelve years at Evergreen, she taught English grades 7-9. She worked with remedial, core, honors, and GT English students. While there, she coached Constitution Bowl and Academic Games and helped with the musicals. She was the Library Media/STS Specialist her last year at Evergreen. At Churchill, Mrs. Tarbet has enjoyed working with honors, core, and GT English students. Mrs. Tarbet is currently teaching 7th grade English. She has seen a lot of things change since the beginning of her career, but one thing remains the same: the humor and creativity of middle school students.